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Budget Talks: Congressional Negotiators Reach Agreement on Spending Bill

Diane A. Wade
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Budget Talks: Congressional Negotiators Reach Agreement on Spending Bill

Top Capitol Hill negotiators have reached an agreement on a spending bill to keep the government running until September 30.

The bipartisan deal boosts military spending but does not include funding for President Donald Trump’s proposed wall on the Mexico border.

The reported $1 trillion-deal needs to be approved by lawmakers.

On April 28, Congress approved a stop-gap spending bill that averted a government shutdown at midnight on that day.

That gave Congress one more week to work out federal spending for the last five months of the fiscal year.

Lawmakers are expected to vote on the package in the coming days.

The failure to act would have closed national parks and monuments and laid off federal employees.

The last shutdown, in 2013, lasted for 17 days.

Full details of the agreement on a spending bill are yet to be made public.

Image source Wikimedia

However, media reports that it gives President Donald Trump a $12.5 billion increase in defense spending and another $1.5 billion for border security.

White House proposals to cut popular programs – such as funding medical research and community development grants – were rejected.

Democrats also fended off potential cuts to women’s healthcare provider Planned Parenthood.

New York City will reportedly receive a $68 million boost for local law enforcement, in recompense for the cost of protecting President Trump and his family.

The deal also gives coal miners $1.3 billion in health benefits, which will be funded by a rise in customs fees.

There were a number of key disputes during tense negotiations, and Republicans – who control the Congress, Senate and White House – were forced to make concessions.

Democrats had leverage in the talks because their votes will be needed to pass the bill.

The Senate requires 60 votes to pass legislation, so the 52 Republicans there will need support from at least eight Democrats.

President Donald Trump earlier had to yield to Democratic demands not to include funding for the proposed wall on the US-Mexico border in the spending bill.

Another concession was over ObamaCare, formally known as the Affordable Care Act.

President Trump made scrapping it a key campaign pledge, but divisions among Republicans have so far prevented attempts to get his own health plan through Congress.

In a statement on April 30, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the deal “a good agreement for the American people” that “takes the threat of a government shutdown off the table”.

Chuck Schumer said the measure would increase investment in medical research, education, and infrastructure.

John Czwartacki, a spokesman for the White House Office of Management and Budget, said: “Reports that the package makes a major down payment towards the president’s security priorities are encouraging.”

Eminem Takes New Zealand’s Governing Party to Court over Lose Yourself

Sonia Pantiss
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Eminem Takes New Zealand’s Governing Party to Court over Lose Yourself

Eminem has sued New Zealand’s governing over one of his biggest hits it used for a campaign ad.

The rapper says the song, used in the 2014 advert by the National Party, was an unlicensed version of Lose Yourself.

However, the party’s lawyers argue it was not actually Lose Yourself, but a track called Eminem-esque which they bought from a stock music library.

The case began on May 1, with the two tracks played in court.

A lawyer for Eight Mile Style – a publishing group representing the artist – said Lose Yourself was “iconic” and “without doubt the jewel in the crown of Eminem‘s musical work”.

The 2014 ad featured shots of rowers and a voiceover urging people to “keep the team that’s working” and return the National Party to office at the coming election.

The backing track, Eminem-esque, was strikingly similar to Lose Yourself, which appeared in Eminem‘s 2002 film 8 Mile.

It had the same insistent driving rhythm, though did not feature any words.

Image source Flickr

The track had been taken from a library made by production music company Beatbox.

Songs which sound similar to famous tracks – but different enough to avoid breaching copyright – routinely feature in free-to-use commercial music libraries.

However, Eight Mile Style lawyer Gary Williams said the use of the song had been a breach of copyright.

Gary Williams told the court that emails showed some in the National Party campaign team had raised copyright concerns at the time, but decided the composer, not them, would be liable.

That was “just wrong, in law” he said, according to the New Zealand Herald.

Gary Williams said permission had only very rarely been given for use of Lose Yourself.

“When licensed, it can command in the millions of dollars. That’s how valuable it is,” he said.

The National Party denies being responsible for any copyright infringement.

Defense lawyer Greg Arthur said copyright was “not in any way proven by the name given to a piece of music”.

The case is expected to continue for six days.

Donald Trump Launches Scathing Attack on US Media at 100-Day Rally

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump Launches Scathing Attack on US Media at 100-Day Rally

President Donald Trump has attacked the US media during a rally marking 100 days in office.

Donald Trump told supporters in Pennsylvania that he was keeping “one promise after another”, dismissing criticism as “fake news” by “out of touch” journalists.

He decided to skip the White House Correspondents’ Dinner – the first president to miss the event since an injured Ronald Reagan in 1981.

Earlier, big rallies were held against Donald Trump’s climate change policies.

At the rally in Harrisburg, Donald Trump said the media should be given “a big, fat, failing grade” over their coverage of his achievements during his first 100 days and told the cheering crowd he was “thrilled to be more than 100 miles from Washington”.

The president quipped that at the same time “a large group of Hollywood actors and Washington media are consoling themselves” at the correspondents’ dinner “that will be very boring”.

Image source Getty Images

Until now, late President Ronald Reagan was the last leader to miss the annual dinner, as he was recovering from an assassination attempt in 1981.

Turning to his election pledges, President Trump said the first 100 days had been “very exciting and very productive”.

Donald Trump said he was “delivering every single day” by: ending “jobs theft” and bringing them back to the US from overseas; easing regulations on energy exploration, including halting a “war on coal”; pulling out of international deals not beneficial to the US, including the Trans-Pacific Patnership.

The president also said the administration of Barack Obama had resulted in “a mess”, stressing that he was ready for “great battles to come and we will win in every case”.

On climate change, Donald Trump said “a big decision” would be taken within the next two weeks.

He earlier described climate change as a hoax, vowing to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement.

Ahead of the speech, tens of thousands took part in protests across the US against the Trump administration’s stance on climate change. The People’s Climate March was timed to coincide with the 100th day of his presidency.

In Washington, the demonstrators marched from the Capitol to the White House.

Organizers said they wanted to put the climate debate firmly on the agenda for next year’s midterm elections.

Pope Francis Calls for Mediation In North Korea Crisis

Roy Siemens
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Pope Francis Calls for Mediation In North Korea Crisis

Pope Francis has urged for international mediation to ease rising tensions between the US and North Korea over Pyongyang’s nuclear activity.

The Pope suggested that Norway, for example, was “always ready to help”.

Pope Francis warned the crisis risked sparking a devastating war in which “a good part of humanity” would be destroyed.

The pontiff’s comments come hours after North Korea test-fired another ballistic missile, which the US and South Korea say exploded shortly after take-off.

The missile was fired from a site in South Pyeongan province, north of Pyongyang, South Korea said.

President Donald Trump accused Pyongyang of showing “disrespect” towards China and its president.

He recently hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and praised him for “trying very hard” on North Korea.

The test came just hours after the UN Security Council had discussed North Korea’s missile program.

Speaking to reporters aboard his plane after a visit to Egypt, Pope Francis said: “There are so many facilitators in the world, there are mediators who offer themselves, such as Norway for example.”

The pontiff warned that the situation had become “too hot” and said: the “path is the path of negotiations, of a diplomatic solution”.

In 2003 six-party talks – involving the two Koreas, the US, China, Japan and Russia – were launched to address concerns over North Korea’s nuclear program. However, Pyongyang withdrew from the negotiations in 2009.

Tensions in the region have increased lately, with both North and South Korea conducting military exercises.

North Korea is believed to be continuing efforts to miniaturize nuclear warheads and fit them on long-range missiles capable of reaching the US.

It is not known what kind of missile was unsuccessfully launched on April 29. However, US officials told Reuters that it was probably a medium-range missile known as a KN-17.

Turkey Purge: Government Fires Almost 4,000 More Public Officials

Diane A. Wade
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Turkey Purge: Government Fires Almost 4,000 More Public Officials

Almost 4,000 public officials have been fired by Turkish government in what appears to be the latest purge related to a failed coup in July 2016.

They include more than 1,000 justice ministry workers, a similar number of army staff and more than 100 air force pilots, officials said.

In a separate decree, TV dating shows were banned – a move previously mooted by the government.

Earlier on April 29, Turkish government blocked access to Wikipedia.

The ban on TV dating shows follows a warning in March by Deputy PM Numan Kurtulmus that the programs do not fit in with Turkish traditions and customs.

“There are some strange programs that would scrap the institution of family, take away its nobility and sanctity,” he said at the time.

Critics of Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s governing Justice and Development Party (AKP) say they fear Turkey is sliding toward conservative Islam under President Erdogan.

However, AKP supporters say dating shows receive thousands of complaints and the ban is in the public interest.

The block on Wikipedia was detected at about 08:00 on April 29, the Turkey Blocks monitoring group said.

Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority said an “administrative measure” had been taken but did not give details.

According to Turkish media, Wikipedia had been asked to remove content by certain writers whom the authorities accuse of “supporting terror” and of linking Turkey to terror groups.

Wikipedia had not responded to the demands, the daily newspaper Hurriyet said, and the ban was imposed as a result.

A formal court order backing up the provisional order is expected in the coming days.

Responding to the ban, Wikipedia’s founder Jimmy Wales wrote on Twitter: “Access to information is a fundamental human right. Turkish people, I will always stand with you to fight for this right.”

The latest sackings follow the suspension of more than 9,000 police officers and the arrest of 1,000 more on April 26 on suspicion of having links to the US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accuses Fethullah Gulen of instigating the 2016 coup attempt, a charge the cleric denies.

The government said in its Official Gazette that all those fired were suspected of links to “terrorist organizations and structures presenting a threat to national security”.

President Erdogan narrowly won a controversial April 16 referendum on increasing his powers.

Opponents fear the vote, which has divided Turkey, brings Recep Tayyip Erdogan closer to authoritarian rule.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxxXdDFl9QI

Turkey Blocks Access to Wikipedia

Nancy Clayson
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Turkey Blocks Access to Wikipedia

Turkish authorities have blocked all access inside the country to Wikipedia.

According to officials, “an administrative measure” had been taken, but gave no reason why.

Turkish media said authorities had asked the online encyclopedia to remove content by writers “supporting terror”.

Turkey used to block social media sites, including Facebook and Twitter, for a period of time, usually following protests or terror attacks.

The Turkey Blocks monitoring group said Wikipedia was unreachable from 08:00 local time. People in Istanbul were unable to access any pages without using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Image source Wikimedia

Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority was quoted as saying: “After technical analysis and legal consideration based on the Law Nr. 5651 [governing the internet], an administrative measure has been taken for this website.”

It gave no further details.

However, the Hurriyet newspaper said Wikipedia had been asked to remove content by certain writers whom the authorities accuse of “supporting terror” and of linking Turkey to terror groups. Wikipedia had not responded to the demands, Hurriyet said, and the ban was imposed as a result.

Turkey Blocks and Turkish media, including Hurriyet, said the provisional order would need to be backed by a full court ruling in the next few days.

Social media was in uproar as news of the ban emerged, with some users speculating that it might be a bid to suppress criticism on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Wikipedia page.

President Erdogan narrowly won a controversial April 16 referendum on increasing his powers, but the issue has deeply divided Turkey.

One Twitter user noted that the Wikipedia page on Turkey’s referendum has a section on “controversies and electoral misconduct”, and cites claims that the government suppressed the No campaign through “arrests, control of the media and political suppression”.

The Turkish government has previously denied censoring the internet, blaming outages on spikes in usage after major events.

Wikipedia has also faced censorship in other countries, including a temporary ban in Russia, and repeated crackdowns in China.

North Korea Tests-Fire Another Ballistic Missile

Roy Siemens
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North Korea Tests-Fire Another Ballistic Missile

According to South Korean and US military officials, North Korea has test-fired another ballistic missile.

The missile exploded shortly after take-off, they said – the second failed launch in the past fortnight.

President Donald Trump accused North Korea of showing “disrespect” towards China and its president.

The missile was fired in the early hours on April 29 from a site in South Pyeongan province, north of Pyongyang, South Korea said.

President Trump wrote on Twitter: “North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!”

He recently hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and praised his Chinese counterpart for “trying very hard” on North Korea.

The failed launch came just hours after the United Nations Security Council discussed North Korea’s missile programme.

Donald Trump‘s Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called for a tougher international approach to the isolated communist state – but also signaled that the US might be prepared to negotiate with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Tensions in the region have increased lately, with both North and South Korea conducting military exercises.

North Korea is believed to be continuing efforts to miniaturize nuclear warheads and fit them on long-range missiles capable of reaching the US.

After April 29 failed launch, the Japanese government condemned the test and said it had lodged a strong protest with North Korea through its diplomatic channels.

“North Korea fired an unidentified missile from a site in the vicinity of Bukchang in Pyeongannam-do (South Pyeongan Province) early this morning,” the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JSC) said in a statement, Yonhap reports.

The statement added that the missile apparently exploded, just seconds after the launch.

Meanwhile, Commander Dave Benham, a spokesman for US Pacific Command, also said the launch occurred near the Bukchang airfield.

Dave Benham added that the missile did not leave North Korean territory.

US officials told Reuters that they believed the missile was a medium-range type known as KN-17.

The launch occurred a matter of hours after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on the rest of the world to help force North Korea to give up its nuclear ambitions.

Rex Tillerson warned of “catastrophic consequences” if the Council did not act, saying it was “likely only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the US mainland”.

The US would use military force if necessary, he said.

Rex Tillerson accused Council members of not fully enforcing existing sanctions against North Korea, and called on China in particular to leverage its trade links as influence.

However, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the key to solving the problem did not lie with his country.

UN sanctions include a ban on selling arms and fuel to North Korea, as well as a host of items that could be used for weapons-making.

Also on the list are luxury goods including pearl jewellery and snowmobiles worth $2,000 or more.

Since 2016, all cargo entering or leaving North Korea must also be inspected.

However, a recent UN study found that fragments from a North Korean missile test included electronics that had been obtained either from or via Chinese enterprises.

The US has separate, stricter sanctions including a blanket ban on trade and a blacklist of anyone dealing with North Korea.

Donald Trump Signs Executive Order Aimed at Lifting Arctic Drilling Ban

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump Signs Executive Order Aimed at Lifting Arctic Drilling Ban

President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order aimed at reducing restrictions on oil drilling in the Arctic and Atlantic in order to “unleash American energy”.

He said it would create “thousands and thousands” of jobs, despite a downturn in the oil market.

The executive order could reverse a ban put in place by President Barack Obama in order to protect swathes of the ocean from development.

However, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said the decision was better than being held hostage by “foreign entities”.

Image source Wikimedia

Getting rid of Barack Obama’s environmental protections was one of Donald Trump’s promises to voters while on the campaign trail.

As he signed the order, called the America-First Offshore Energy Strategy, President Trump said: “Our country’s blessed with incredible natural resources, including abundant offshore oil and natural gas reserves, but the federal government has kept 94% of these offshore areas closed for exploration and production.

“This deprives our country of potentially thousands and thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in wealth.”

The order instructs the Department of Interior to come up with a new development plan for all federal waters off US coasts.

It is debatable how much income might be generated by a reversal of Barack Obama’s order. Worldwide prices for oil have dropped in recent years, with a review by news agency Reuters finding the amount of money oil companies spent in the central Gulf of Mexico’s annual lease sale dropped by more than 75% between 2012 and 2017.

US Open to Negotiations with North Korea

Roy Siemens
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US Open to Negotiations with North Korea

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said that the US is open to negotiations with North Korea aimed at removing nuclear weapons from the region.

However, Rex Tillerson said the US would use military force if necessary.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said a peaceful settlement was the “only right choice”.

Rex Tillerson told a UN Security Council meeting that the threat of North Korea launching a nuclear attack on its neighbors was “real”.

Thousands of American soldiers are stationed in North Korea’s regional neighbors – South Korea and Japan.

Image source Wikimedia

The secretary of state called on other countries to isolate North Korea diplomatically.

Speaking to the UN Security Council, Rex Tillerson said the US would use diplomatic and financial measures against North Korea – including potential sanctions on companies or individuals with ties to North Korea – but would be willing to consider military action if necessary.

For years, he said, North Korea had dictated the terms of its dangerous course of action.

“It’s time for us to retake control of the situation,” he said.

“The threat of a North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul or Tokyo is real, and it is likely only a matter of time before North Korea develops the capability to strike the US mainland.”

The foreign minister of China, North Korea’s greatest ally, warned against military intervention.

“The use of force does not solve differences and will only lead to bigger disasters,” Wang Yi said.

“Peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula through dialogue and negotiations represents the only right choice that is practical and viable,” he added.

Wang Yi also repeated a Chinese offer to halt Pyongyang’s military program in return for a freeze on joint US-South Korea military drills.

The US has rejected the idea in the past, saying the nuclear program must be halted first.

Russia said use of force would be “completely unacceptable”. Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov also called on North Korea to end its nuclear and missile programs.

“The combative rhetoric coupled with reckless muscle-flexing has led to a situation where the whole world seriously is now wondering whether there’s going to be a war or not,” he told the Security Council.

“One ill-thought-out or misinterpreted step could lead to the most frightening and lamentable consequences.”

North Korea has made repeated attempts to miniaturize nuclear warheads and fit them on long-range missiles capable of reaching the US.

It has also made several military shows of strength in recent weeks and the US has sent warships and an anti-missile system to the region in response.

Vorayuth Yoovidhya Case: Thai Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Red Bull Heir

Nancy Clayson
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Vorayuth Yoovidhya Case: Thai Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Red Bull Heir

An arrest warrant has been issued in Thailand for Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya, in a move critics say is long overdue.

Vorayuth Yoovidhya is accused of knocking down and killing a policeman while speeding in Bangkok in 2012.

He has repeatedly failed to meet police to face charges, which include reckless driving causing death.

The closely watched case has fuelled criticism that Thailand‘s elite enjoy special treatment by the authorities.

Vorayuth Yoovidhya is the grandson of Chaleo Yoovidhya, who co-founded the Red Bull empire with Austrian Dietrich Mateschitz.

Image source EPA

He was first arrested shortly after the incident and later let go.

Vorayuth Yoovidhya was subsequently summoned repeatedly to face charges, but each time his lawyers said he was unable to do so, citing overseas work commitments and illness. A charge for speeding has since expired.

Thai prosecutors asked police to request the arrest warrant after Vorayuth Yoovidhya failed to meet another deadline on April 27.

If found guilty of reckless driving causing death – a charge which expires in 2027 – Vorayuth Yoovidhya could be jailed for up to 10 years.

Many Thais have questioned why the police have not tried to arrest Vorayuth Yoovidhya before now to face charges.

Before the arrest warrant was issued, the office of the attorney-general said it would explore applying for extradition of Vorayuth Yoovidhya, who it said was recently seen in London, if a warrant was issued.

US Economy Slows Dramatically in Q1 2017

Clyde K. Valle
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US Economy Slows Dramatically in Q1 2017

According to official data, the US economy slowed dramatically in the first quarter of 2017.

GDP expanded at an annual rate of 0.7% in Q1 of 2017, which was a sharp slowdown from the 2.1% growth rate in the final three months of 2016.

It was also the lowest rate of growth since Q1 of 2014, when the economy contracted by 1.2%.Sustainable Economy In Afghanistan

The Bureau of Economic Analysis blamed lower levels of government spending and private investment.

In recent years GDP growth has often been sluggish in the first quarter, but has picked up later in the year.

Meanwhile economists blame that trend on the way the data is collected.

Nancy Curtin, chief investment officer at Close Brothers Asset Management, said: “US GDP figures are typically weaker in the first quarter, so this reading is in line with the seasonal trend.

“We haven’t yet had the expected fiscal stimulus from Trump, the effects of which may not be seen until the end of this year or the start of 2018.”

Nancy Curtin also pointed out that other data suggested strength in the US economy: “While investors might be disappointed with the reading, it has been a steady start to the year with inflation looking benign, a resilient jobs market and positive PMI [purchasing managers’] data.”

Alexei Navalny Hospitalized after Being Sprayed with Green Liquid

Diane A. Wade
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Alexei Navalny Hospitalized after Being Sprayed with Green Liquid

Alexei Navalny has been hospitalized after an antiseptic green dye was splashed on his face in Moscow.

It is the second time the Russian opposition leader has been attacked with zelyonka (“brilliant green” in English) this year.

The dye is a common antiseptic in Russia and has been used in protests there and in Ukraine.

Alexei Navalny tweeted: “It looks funny but it hurts like hell.”

It is not clear who carried out the attack, which happened near the offices of the Anti-Corruption Fund (FBK) that Alexei Navalny founded.

Image source Twitter

According to a Russian report, he was diagnosed with a chemical burn to the eye.

Alexei Navalny is one of the foremost Russian critics of President Vladimir Putin and has announced his intention to run for president himself.

However, his intentions may be thwarted – he has been convicted of embezzlement, which would bar him from running for office, although he denies it.

Alexei Navalny was among 500 people arrested after organizing an anti-corruption rally last month. Rallies across Russia were the biggest opposition demonstrations in the country in several years.

He has said repeatedly that he wants to challenge President Putin’s control of the Kremlin and expose what he claims is the “myth” that Putin commands more than 80% popular support.

Meanwhile a separate opposition group, Open Russia, says its office has been raided by police, a day after the group was blacklisted by the authorities.

Activists said more than 20 riot police raided the office and removed computer equipment and 100,000 flyers for an unsanctioned rally planned for this weekend.

Open Russia was founded by former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who lives in exile after spending 10 years in a Siberian prison on fraud charges, which he says were politically motivated.

Doctor, Doctor, You’re Far Too Expensive!

Dana R
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Doctor, Doctor, You’re Far Too Expensive!

(Image Credit)

It’s not secret that medical issues and visits to the doctors or hospital can cost a small fortune. A lot of people dread the day that they will have to visit a place like this. But, of course, sometimes you don’t have a choice. Health is more important than money. This doesn’t make any difference to the industry, though. So, for now, at least, you’ll have to start finding ways to make this cheaper for yourself. This isn’t impossible. And, it doesn’t even have to be that hard. To help you out, this post will be going through some of the best ways to make your medical expenses much cheaper.

One of the best ways to solve this issue is with prior planning. Often, medical procedures can cost a fortune. But, having yourself insured against them will make take the worry of cost away completely. A lot of people don’t think that they can afford this sort of cover. But, if you have the funds to go out for a meal at a restaurant each month; you have the fund and resources to get basic medical insurance. Choosing the right cover is very important. Some will only protect you against a small amount of money. And, anything over will have to be covered by you. So, it’s worth looking up the average costs of different issues; to find where you would feel most comfortable.

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Some issues won’t require a trip to the hospital or any time in surgery. Instead, they can be handled with simple visits to a doctor. Of course, this will still cost you money. And, if you don’t have insurance; it will cost loads over time. With some conditions, it’s easy to scale back the time you spend at the doctors. You can use the treatments they provide and administer them yourself. Or, you can even find your own treatments. The array of conditions that can be treated like this with safety is huge. Using resources online, you can find information like the fact that angular cheilitis can be treated at home with these remedies. A lot of people choose to avoid these sorts of treatments; thinking they’re bad. But, with the right research, it’s easy to find credible information that can save loads of cash.

Getting your treatments from your government will often be a costly ordeal. The prices of medicines are hugely inflated; simply because companies can get away with it. But, there are often cheaper routes to get your medication. In response to high prices, smaller pharma companies have started producing their own versions of medicines. These are sold at a much more reasonable price. And, often contain an almost identical mix of chemicals. So, you know that they’ll work, without having to worry about paying too much for them. It’s wise to talk to a doctor before starting to take something like this, though. Along with this, you should do plenty of personal research.

Hopefully, this will give you a good idea of what needs to be done to make sure you don’t shrink your wallet to the point of no return with your medical bills. As mentioned above; life is much more important than money. So, if you have to pay loads of a treatment, and there’s no other option; you should just do it.

The Three Keys To Advancing Your Nursing Career

Dana R
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The Three Keys To Advancing Your Nursing Career

A career in nursing does not get the kind of respectful consideration that it should. They are by far the most numerous professionals in the medical field, but many fail to understand just how far a nurse’s career can go. If you are interested in becoming a nurse, read here to learn about accelerated nursing programs, but if you’ve already started your education or work experience as a nurse, then you are already benefiting from a job that does real good, that always has need of you, and offers benefits like a well-above average wage and flexible work arrangements. But if you want to climb that ladder, it can offer even more.

nursing

Pixabay

Not just for hospitals

Many think that a hospital is the only place for a nurse to work in, but there are a much broader variety of opportunities and work environments available than that. A comprehensive look at the data from Arizona College shows that only 63% work in hospitals. The rest are spread between a diversity of different roles in different institutions. Care facilities, outpatient centers, schools, residences, with HR teams, you could end up playing an essential role in all kinds of industries. Each work environment has something different to offer so you don’t have to feel like you can only work in one kind of environment if it doesn’t suit you as a person.

A lot more progression than you might think

There are also many who make the mistake of believing that there’s little room for progression as a nurse. That is demonstrably untrue. There’s room to keep educating yourself and keep moving up to positions that are both more challenging and more lucrative. Many work happily with an RN diploma all their life, but there are positions for those moving into bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and even doctorates like the Doctor of Nursing Practice qualifications available at Maryville Online. With a DNP, many more career opportunities, such as working as an anesthetist in the operating room and as a psychiatric nurse, become real options for you. Nursing gets a lot more specialized the further you decide to take your career.

Get to the core of nursing

It’s more than just a job or a role in an institution. Nursing is a craft and a vocation all of its own. To that end, it should be no surprise there are networks of nurses looking into research and practices that can help the industry as a whole progress. There’s a lot to learn and also a lot to gain by networking as a nurse. Besides informing you as to possibilities, it can open new opportunities for your career. Networking gives you the opportunity to be part of something much bigger than just yourself alone but it also gives you the chance to give your career a real boost.

Nurses are a vital part of our healthcare system and those with the hunger to make it should know that there are plenty of new environments to work in, new positions to be attained and new contacts who can make you a true expert in your field.

Donald Trump Congressional Briefing on North Korea

Roy Siemens
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Donald Trump Congressional Briefing on North Korea

President Donald Trump’s strategy on North Korea is to tighten sanctions on the secretive country and step up diplomatic moves aimed at pressuring it to end its nuclear and missile programs.

The strategy was announced after a special briefing for all 100 US senators.

Earlier, the top US commander in the Pacific defended the deployment of an advanced missile defense system in South Korea.

Tensions in the Korean Peninsula raised amid fears North Korea is planning new weapons tests.

A joint statement issued by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said: “The United States seeks stability and the peaceful denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

“We remain open to negotiations towards that goal. However, we remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies.

“The president’s approach aims to pressure North Korea into dismantling its nuclear, ballistic missile, and proliferation programs by tightening economic sanctions and pursuing diplomatic measures with our allies and regional partners.”

The US already has extensive sanctions in place on North Korea, including a blanket ban on trade and a blacklist of anyone dealing with North Korea.

It is not clear what further sanctions the US could impose.

Democratic Senator Christopher Coons told reporters that military options were discussed at the special presidential briefing for senators.

“It was a sobering briefing in which it was clear just how much thought and planning was going into preparing military options if called for – and a diplomatic strategy that strikes me as clear-eyed and well-proportioned to the threat,” he said.

Image source Wikipedia

A White House official said an option under consideration was to put North Korea back on the state department’s list of countries that sponsor terrorism.

President Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama, imposed sanctions over a year ago following a nuclear test and satellite launch by North Korea.

North Korean government property in America was frozen and US exports to, or investment in, North Korea was banned.

The order also greatly expanded powers to blacklist anyone, including non-Americans, dealing with North Korea.

The senators received a highly unusual briefing by the Trump administration on the seriousness of the threat from North Korea and Donald Trump’s strategy for dealing with it on April 26.

Earlier Admiral Harry Harris, head of US Pacific Command, said the US would be ready “with the best technology” to defeat any missile threat.

The deployment of Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea was aimed, he argued, at bringing North Korean leader Kim Jong-un “to his senses, not to his knees”.

Admiral Harry Harris said he believed that North Korea would try to attack the US as soon as it had the military capabilities.

China says the deployment of THAAD will destabilize security and there have been protests in South Korea itself, where three people were injured in clashes with police as the system was being delivered to a former golf course on April 26.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLPkF_Btl5I

United Airlines to Offer Up to $10,000 to Passengers Who Give Up Seats on Overbooked Flights

Nancy Clayson
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0
United Airlines to Offer Up to $10,000 to Passengers Who Give Up Seats on Overbooked Flights

United Airlines has announced it will offer up to $10,000 to passengers who give up seats on overbooked flights.

The change comes as part of a review following an inquiry set up after Dr. David Dao was dragged screaming from a fully booked plane early this month.

Dr. David Dao lost two front teeth and suffered a broken nose when he was removed from the Chicago to Louisville flight to make room for crew members.

The incident caused outrage and widespread condemnation of the airline.

Shocking footage was shared and watched by millions of people online.

The latest incident to hit United Airlines’ reputation came on April 26 when it announced an investigation into the death of a giant rabbit which was being transported on one of its planes.

Image source Flickr

The 90cm-long bunny, called Simon, was found dead in the cargo hold when the flight arrived at Chicago’s O’Hare airport from London Heathrow.

Law enforcement officials dragged Dr. David Dao off the flight forcibly after the 69-year-old Vietnamese-American physician had refused to leave, saying he needed to go home to see his patients.

David Dao’s lawyer later said that the man found the experience “more horrifying and harrowing than what he experienced when leaving Vietnam”.

The ordeal led to demonstrations at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and turned into a public relations disaster for United Airlines.

United Airlines offered compensation to all customers on board the flight.

In addition to the $10,000 compensation offer, the series of actions announced as part of the report into the incident includes:

  • No more use of law enforcement officers to remove passengers from flights unless it is a matter of safety and security
  • Seated passengers will not be asked to leave involuntarily
  • Crews to be booked on flights 60 minutes before departure
  • Annual training for staff to handle “the most difficult situations”

Last month, United was heavily criticized on social media after two girls were reportedly barred from flying for wearing leggings on a flight from Denver to Minneapolis.

United Airlines said the girls were travelling on a special pass, for employees and their guests, which has a dress code.

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News and Events that Affect Forex Market Dynamics and Volatility

Clyde K. Valle
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0

Overall, the world of trading is highly volatile, and numerous events determine its trends every day. Knowing these events and keeping an eye open for these news in the global arena may help you make a fortune on wise and timely trading decisions. Learn about the most significant and influential events to look for in search of profitable deals in Forex.

Central Bank Rate Changes 

Changes in different countries’ Central Bank rates traditionally occur on a monthly basis, so it is strategically wise to track them and make trading decisions based on feasible changes. The Central Bank’s increase of rates typically leads to valuation of currency, the unchanged or reduced rates of which may have different effects on it depending on the overall economic perceptions.

GDP Reports

Since GDP determines the national economic health and affects tempos of economic growth, monitoring national GDP statistics may also help to make thoughtful and lucrative trading decisions. With downward GDP trends, the devaluation of currency may be expected in the near future.

Information on Inflation

This one is mostly determined by the Consumer Price Index, which reflects fluctuations in consumer prices and helps national banks to make policy decisions. Checking it becomes easier if you remember about metatrader 4 free download widely available today. Once the CPI rises, traders may expect the rise of currency value and can make a good profit on that fluctuation.

FOMC Meeting Reports

With the US dollar remaining a global currency on which the world’s trading community relies, reports of the US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) enjoy high influence on the Forex market’s volatility. FOMC reports usually do not contain open statements about further course of the Central Bank, but a talented and observant trader can find implied and suggested trends for investment decisions.

How to Trade on News Releases?

The daily issue of trading news is another traditional source of brokers’ information and decisions. Due to time difference, news is released at different times in different countries, and a thoughtful broker monitors them at the markets of interest to determine the current trends and anticipate market fluctuations. The key points significant to Forex market include the industrial production, unemployment rate data, business and consumer confidence polls, trade balance information, etc. The most volatile news reports relevant to the Forex market include those of NFP, FOMC, trade balance, CPI, and retail sales. Therefore, maximum attention should be focused on them for profitable decisions. All these are a potential source of viable trading data, but the most crucial aspect here is the timing of trading steps. While breaking news of global importance may have effects lingering for months in the market, the majority of regular news has a short-term of effect of 2-3 days.

Make sure you take all of these into account when trading. It will surely help you a lot.

If you don’t have enough free time or doubt your ability to predict market’s reaction to these important news there’s still a way to capitalize on them. During the last decade online trading industry evolved to provide solutions for people who aren’t professional traders. One of these solutions is using automated trading software which allows traders to execute orders on preset terms without physically being in front of their trading terminal. The software receives data feed from the exchange 24/5, so no big events and associated opportunities will be missed.

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Donald Trump Tax Plan Proposal: Sharp Reduction in Business Tax Rate

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Donald Trump Tax Plan Proposal: Sharp Reduction in Business Tax Rate

President Donald Trump is to announce his intention to cut the rate of corporation tax when he presents his tax plan later.

According to White House officials, the centerpiece of April 26 announcement will be a sharp reduction in the business tax rate, from 35% to 15%.

Economists say the tax cuts will add trillions of dollars to the deficit over the next decade.

However, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said the tax plan “will pay for itself with economic growth”.

Steven Mnuchin declared it “the biggest tax cut and largest tax reform in history of this country”, according to The Hill.

Image source Flickr

Also expected in the plan:

  • some sort of repatriation tax, giving big companies an incentive to bring back money they hold overseas
  • tax breaks for childcare expenses
  • large increase to standard tax deduction
  • a cut in individual rates, although few details expected yet
  • more tax rate cuts for hedge funds, and other enterprises that pay taxes at individual rates
  • easing the tax form process

Donald Trump’s blueprint is not expected to include any proposals for raising new revenue.

The much-discussed border tax that would put a tariff on imports – favored by House Speaker Paul Ryan – will not be in the plan.

The Basic Things You Need To Know About Pink Tax

Nancy Clayson
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0
The Basic Things You Need To Know About Pink Tax

The “Pink Tax” raises concerns on gender inequity, which many women see as a tool that forces them to pay more than men.

Named as such because of the color that marketers deliberately used to market products to girls and women, the Pink Tax refers to the state-sanctioned price difference between female-specific products and goods that cater to any gender or those that are for men in particular.

Women still pay more compared to men when it comes to gender-specific items such as razors, makeup, dry cleaning, or even toys. With Women’s History Month almost at a close, there is still the issue of gender-based pricing. The society, the people, and the government have yet to resolve this together with equal pay for an equal degree of work.

Women face another issue of inequality with price discrimination. That is why many women find it harder than men to make ends meet. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also indicated that from 2004 to 2014, women only earned around 80 to 83 percent of the average earning of men. The fact that the issue has been around for decades already shows that there is still much to do when it comes to fighting for gender equality.

 

Women’s Products vs. Men’s Products

Back in 2015, the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs published a study that looked at around 800 products of at least 90 brands. The proponents of the study looked at the differences in the price of items that cater to different genders. The research presented that on average, the products for females are 7% more expensive than similar products that cater men.

Some of the findings of the study saw that women’s clothes cost around 8 percent more than men’s clothing. Even apparels for girls are 4 percent more expensive than boy’s wear. On average, the toys and accessories for girls are 7 percent more costly than similar products for boys.

The personal care products of women are some of the most expensive according to the research. In fact, they are 13 percent more expensive than men’s personal care products.

 

Scope of the Pink Tax

In general and historically speaking, women already have the short end of the stick. What the Pink Tax does to the already unequal system is to put women at an even bigger disadvantage by covering broad range products, including clothing, cosmetics, and bedding.

What many large enterprises have brushed off as a system error, becomes a substantial issue that builds up in time. Indeed, it is an error in the current system to put women on a different plane with men when it comes to social, economic, and political standing.

 

Takeaway

Now is the time to address such issues especially because women are more empowered, aware, and inspired than ever. A difference in gender should not equate to a difference in price. There shouldn’t be an extra payment for the products geared towards women.

Legislation might help address the issue of Pink Tax. But an even stronger and reliable step is collective action from people to demand what is right. When businesses realize their markets have changes in the demands or their products are no longer selling, things will change.

 

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These Crazy Social Media Facts Will Blow You Away

Dana R
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0
These Crazy Social Media Facts Will Blow You Away

It’s no secret that just about everybody uses social media these days. There’s the ever popular Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat – the list goes on. However, you might still be surprised to learn some of these crazy social media facts. Take a look!

1.28 Billion People On Facebook
In any month, around 1.28 billion people are active on Facebook. To put this into context; it’s the entire population of India, which is the second largest populated country in the world.

Over 5 Million Facebook Users Are Under The Age Of 10
Studies showed that some of the parents of these children didn’t know about the account, while others helped them make it. However, users aren’t supposed to be under 13!

The Famous Oscar Selfie Was The Most Retweeted Tweet
You know the selfie – Ellen, JLaw, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, and so many more famous celebs feature in this photo. It became the most retweeted tweet, hitting 3.3 million!

Katy Perry Is One Of The Most Popular Ladies On Twitter
Katy has over 89 million followers. That’s 9 million more people than the entire population of Germany, not to mention 14 million more than the former president, Barrack Obama!

The NBA Were The First Professional League To Get 1 Billion Followers
Whether you like the NBA or not, this fact is pretty incredible. Sports teams and leagues are now utilizing social media to gain more followers and exposure! You can find more facts like this on the infographic below!


credit to Adelphi Degree in Sports Management Online

The Safety Project: 6 Ways on How to Avoid a Car Accident

Nancy Clayson
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0

Source:https://www.pexels.com/photo/car-vehicle-fire-smoke-48125/

Cars are undoubtedly one of the most astounding inventions ever made by humans. They give easy transport and freedom and taking a person anywhere for hundreds and even thousands of miles with just a tank of gasoline.

However, cars are also machines of destructions filled with flammable liquid and large metal projectiles that can harm anyone if the person maneuvering behind the wheel is not cautious and responsible. It could easily transport one’s life to eternal trauma and even death.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2.44 million people get injured in the US due to vehicle crashes in 2015. The figures are mind-boggling and yes, alarming. Different insurance companies give different numerical perspective, concluding that one driver is average to one car accident per decade.

There are simple precautions that you can follow to reduce your risks. The paramount keys are to steer clear of alcohol and drugs, avoid distractions, be predictable and obey the traffic laws, always. Do them, and you’ll make the road safer and less dangerous for everyone.

Follow Speed Limits

Speed Limit 25 Signage

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/speed-limit-25-signage-164524/

Speed limits exist because you have to abide them. Exceeding speed limits means that you chose to drive faster than what is intended to be safe for the road, irresponsibly putting others at risk and at the same time consuming more fuel.

The science behind this law is that when you drive faster, the reaction time for you to stop reduces, thus higher maneuvering skills are obligatory to avoid an accident. As the speed of the vehicle ascends, the forces and braking distances increase too which can lead to disastrous rollovers and collisions.

Another explanation why over speeding is hazardous is that when you over speed, you’re out-driving your car’s headlights, thus you lose the time to react properly to unexpected scenarios when they appear in your field of vision.

Better be safe than sorry, so follow speed limits and be extra attentive in the dark.

Avoid Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Person Driving and Drinking

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-backlit-car-drive-192638/

Drunk driving as always is a very dangerous stunt that every driver needs to avoid, and yet there are still people who are just too hard-headed to follow the rule. They get behind the wheel while their bloodstreams are boiling with alcohol.

According to NHTSA, every two minutes, one person gets injured due to a drunken driving crash, and the casualty cost is up to $132 billion dollars a year. Now, if you’re out to have fun, be sure to designate a driver for you or better yet, do not drive when you drink.

Steer Clear from Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is an act of doing another activity that corrupts your attention away from driving. Acts like trying to send a message or answer a call, looking at sceneries instead of the road and watching other vehicles are the common forms of distracted driving.

The fatalities due to road accidents in the US rose to 35,092 last year, the highest growth in 50 years, and 10 percent of this data is due to distracted driving according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

There is a slogan that says “hung up and drive” reminding us to avoid texting or doing things that may arrest your attention from driving. If the call or message is very urgent, pull over before you respond.

Precautions on Parking Lots

Vigilance should be observed not just on the road but also on parking lots. Most people gets absorbed on finding a parking space that they are not watching what else is going on.

Children are hard to spot at busy parking lots especially at night so be vigilant and pay attention. You can never tell when an excited kid will dart out in front of your car in an instant. Fortunately, there are cars now with a backup camera that makes it possible to look at the space behind the car that would otherwise be unseen.

Choose the Right Car

Green Scale Model Car on Brown Pavement

Source:https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-scale-model-car-on-brown-pavement-35967/

Another paramount component of being a conscientious driver is picking the right car. What I mean by the word ‘right’ is that it must have outstanding safety features and robust reliability background when it comes to quality and manufacturing.

Consumer Reports recommends checking on the accident avoidance capability of the car through simulated maneuvering as well as dry and wet braking.

Wise evaluation of vehicles should include ease of use for controls, visibility, and handling, all of which are helpful in avoiding road troubles. Reliability is also a significant factor when it comes to safety concerns because extreme cases may happen like a car breakdown on the road that will put you in danger.

Get a Good Lawyer and Feasible Insurance

It pays to be insured and ready. You can be a cautious and responsible driver behind the wheel, but you can never tell what will happen to you on the road, never.

It’s vital that you get a good insurance from credible insurance companies and appoint an experienced lawyer that you can trust. There are many competitive and reliable law firms in different states that you can go to for legal services.

When it comes to personal injury protection insurance, make sure to check on the coverage and see if it is feasible enough to your source of income and if it offers a lot of deductibles and limits.

Takeaway

A single car accident can alter your life in an instant before it happens, practice vigilance wherever you go. Vigilance is the byproduct of many factors that you can acquire if you start doing the things listed above.

Author Bio:

Dana Atkins is a researcher who is knowledgeable about technology and entrepreneurship based in Michigan. She is also an active advocate of safety driving and continuously supports safety-driving related campaigns in different states. In her free time, she likes to write her thoughts as a form of artistic outlet and whatever article she comes up to, she shares them with her readers.

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Stealth Vaping: Exhaling Within the Law and Around Others

Dana R
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0
Stealth Vaping: Exhaling Within the Law and Around Others

Stealth vaping has become an important technique for many people who choose to use electronic cigarettes, especially those who work at jobs with a strict break policy. The technique involves taking a pull from the electronic cigarette without the people around you noticing.

Whether you believe that stealth vaping is okay or not is up to you: there are no real laws against it, but you can put yourself in an awkward situation with your boss or others around you just for a quick vape, rather than waiting for the proper time. If you choose to stealth vape, here are a few things to think about before you try to vape without getting caught.

Image result for Stealth Vaping

Choose a Subtle Flavoring

One of the coolest things about vaping is that you can choose from a variety of flavorings to add to your device so you can vary your experience. Sites like Element e-liquid offer everything from traditional tobacco flavoring to fruity flavors and dessert flavors. If you are going to stealth vape, you want to choose a flavoring that doesn’t have a very strong smell.

Other than the vapor cloud, the smell is the first noticeable thing for others, and keeping a low profile means using a flavor that doesn’t call attention to yourself. You may have to experiment with several different flavors that go well with the natural smells of your office or other place you plan on stealth vaping, but you should soon find one that hides pretty well.

Control Your Cloud

The number one rule for stealth vaping is to control the size of the cloud that you exhale. Your exploits won’t last very long if there is a haze hovering over your desk or cubicle. This is where the stealth comes in.

First, empty your lungs with a long exhale so you’ll have enough room. Take a pull from your device and hold it for about 15 seconds: the longer you hold it, the less vapor you’ll exhale. When you finally exhale, do so into your sleeve or some piece of fabric so that the majority of the vapor is filtered through something. Then, find an excuse to lean under your desk — drop your electronic cigarette, tie your shoe — and blow the rest out under there. This will help keep the cloud contained and should do the trick as long as you don’t try to pull it off every five minutes.

Should You Stealth Vape?

Again, the decision as to whether or not to stealth vape is up to you. Many places have no vaping policies for a reason, and you will be blatantly ignoring them if you choose to vape secretly.

Take the other people around you into your consideration before you attempt to stealth vape: some people can have negative reactions to the flavorings of your vaping, so always think about others before you take a pull.

Stealth vaping has become more popular as places crack down on the act.

Data Keeps The World Safe But How Is It Used?

Dana R
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0
Data Keeps The World Safe But How Is It Used?

Intelligence agencies around the world collect an enormous amount of data every single day. They use that information to search for concerns and keep the public safe. Today, we’re going to take a quick look at just some of the ways in which it’s used to identify threats. It’s been a big issue since the Twin Tower attacks, and our government has stepped up to the mark.

Identifying geographic locations

As the infographic at the bottom of this page highlights, agencies can use the data they collect to determine locations. That is an excellent advancement because it means they can intercept people and groups who might want to cause harm to the public. To learn more, just scroll down the page.

Searching for keywords that raise concerns

It would be impossible for security personnel to look through all the data they collect every day. However, they have systems in place that flag messages and information based on a list of keywords. So, if anyone mentions the word “bomb” or something similar, it’s easy to check their communications.

Identifying individuals involved in terrorism

Terrorism is the number one threat to global security today. The data collected by the CIA and other agencies helps to profile dangerous people. They then go onto a list that ensures their communications are monitored more often.

So, now you know how data is used to keep us all safe, you should manage to sleep better at night. Thankfully, our government employs the world’s leading experts. For that reason, we should always beat our enemies.


Created by University of Southern California Online

Robert Dabate Case: Fitbit Snares Husband in Wife’s Murder

Nancy Clayson
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0
Robert Dabate Case: Fitbit Snares Husband in Wife’s Murder

Robert Dabate has been charged with killing his wife after police said data from her Fitbit contradicted his version of events.

The 40-year-old cheating husband claimed to have seen Connie Dabate shot to death more than an hour before her Fitbit device recorded her last movements.

Robert Dabate told detectives that his wife was killed by a home intruder in Connecticut on December 23, 2015.

However, police say Connie Dabate’s wearable fitness tracker tells a different story.

Robert Dabate was charged this month with murder, tampering with physical evidence and making false statements about his 39-year-old wife’s death.

Police say the man initially told them he had just returned home at around 09:00 after dropping off his two sons when he was attacked by a home intruder.

Image source Flickr

Robert Dabate claimed the perpetrator was a “tall, obese man” with a deep voice like actor Vin Diesel’s and wearing “camouflage and a mask”, according to an arrest warrant.

The accused said a .357 revolver registered in his name was used by the purported attacker to shoot Connie Dabate.

The victim, a pharmaceutical representative, was shot twice, once in the back of her head, with the pistol that her husband had purchased two months earlier, say prosecutors.

Robert Dabate, a computer technician, claimed the home intruder then tied him up after a struggle.

Police found Robert Dabate with an arm and leg bound by zip ties to a chair in the kitchen at the crime scene.

He had what police described as superficial knife wounds.

Investigators say physical evidence showed no sign of the struggle described by Robert Dabate.

Data found on a Fitbit that Connie Dabate had worn for an exercise class that morning shows she did not take her last movements until 10:05, more than an hour after her husband claimed to watch her die.

Also, police sniffer dogs picked up no scent of other people in the house in the hours before Connie Dabate’s death.

Robert Dabate was in a relationship with another woman, who was expecting his baby – which detectives suspect as a motive for the attack.

According to investigators, the man had texted his wife a year before her death saying: “I want a divorce.”

According to bank statements obtained by the Hartford Courant newspaper, credit card charges from hotels and bouquets of flowers for his girlfriend.

The accused is currently not in custody after posting bail of $1 million.

Robert Dabate’s next trial date is scheduled for April 28.

Donald Trump’s Sanctuary City Order Blocked by California Judge

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump’s Sanctuary City Order Blocked by California Judge

A ruling that blocks President Donald Trump’s order barring funding for cities that shelter illegal immigrants has been labeled as “bananas” by the White House.

A San Francisco judge has placed January’s executive order in limbo, but the White House is vowing to appeal.

San Francisco and Santa Clara County sued in February.

The Trump administration has warned so-called sanctuary cities they could lose federal funds if they do not co-operate with federal immigration officials.

On April 25, Judge William Orrick issued a temporary injunction against the presidential order as the case continues in the courts.

White House chief of staff Reince Priebus said, in reference to the San Francisco-based appeals court, which conservatives often accuse of liberalism: “It’s the 9th Circuit going bananas.”

Image source Wikipedia

President Trump’s measure cast doubt on the transfer of some $1.2 billion for San Francisco and $1.7 billion to Santa Clara County, home to many Silicon Valley communities.

It is another legal defeat for Donald Trump in his efforts to curb immigration – his plan to curtail travel from seven Muslim-majority nations was twice blocked in federal courts.

Lawyers for the federal government had argued in the sanctuary cities case that only funding related to law enforcement would be withheld.

However, Judge William Orrick said any doubt about the scope of the “vague” order was erased by public comments made by President Trump, such as those calling the measure a “weapon” to use against jurisdictions that disagree with his immigration policies.

Judge William Orrick accused the Trump administration of a “schizophrenic approach” to the order.

The 49-page court ruling added that the plaintiffs challenging President Trump’s order are likely to succeed in proving the order unconstitutional.

The judge wrote: “Federal funding… cannot be threatened merely because a jurisdiction chooses an immigration enforcement strategy of which the President disapproves.”

However, Judge William Orrick’s ruling allowed the justice department to follow through with threats made to nine cities last week to cut specific program grants if they do not adequately co-operate with federal immigration officers.

In a press release last week, the department accused sanctuary cities of “crumbling under the weight of illegal immigration and violent crime”.

There are several sanctuary cities across the US, including Donald Trump’s home of New York.

New York’s Mayor Bill de Blasio praised April 25 ruling, saying President Trump went beyond his authority to cut funding to cities that “don’t share his illogical and unconstitutional desire to scapegoat immigrants”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK8-fdbPv30

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