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Three Key Points to Remember When Dealing with A Car Wreck Case

Dana R
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0
Three Key Points to Remember When Dealing with A Car Wreck Case

Each year, vehicle collisions seriously injure or kill millions of Americans. These individuals must deal with high medical bills and a sudden loss of income, in addition to the pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, and emotional distress often associated with a serious car crash.

As soon as the other drivers call their insurance companies, a team of lawyers begins working to deny the victims compensation for the aforementioned losses. A dedicated attorney levels the playing field by serving as a strong voice for you in court. Your lawyer also gives you solid legal advice throughout the process. Here are a few ways you can help your attorney build the strongest case possible in court.

Stay Quiet

Do not debate fault or other issues with the first responder or the other driver. There is a time and place for such debate, and the accident scene is the wrong time and the wrong place. Let your attorney do the arguing for you.

Do not post items on social media or talk to the other driver’s insurance company. Many people unintentionally make damaging statements in these postings and conversation. Because of an exception to the hearsay rule, insurance company lawyers can often use these statements against you.

For the same reason, do not say “I’m sorry” even if you feel you are completely at fault. To express empathy and compassion, say something like “How can I help you?” or “I’m sorry this accident happened to you.”

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Collect Evidence

The first responder at a Cleveland car crash almost always files an accident report, talks to witnesses, and performs some other similar tasks. But first responders are at the scene to secure the area and tend to injured victims. They are not there to collect evidence for a future plaintiff in a future lawsuit.

So, the bulk of this responsibility may fall upon you. Even the most dedicated attorneys cannot be at the scene in the immediate wake of a crash. Concentrate on items like:

  • The location of nearby surveillance cameras,
  • The names of as many witnesses as possible, and
  • Photographs of physical damage.

The first few hours after the crash are critical. After that, this evidence becomes harder and harder to obtain.

See a Doctor Right Away

The adrenaline rush s so strong after an accident that many people “feel fine” even though they are seriously injured. Always go to a doctor immediately if at all possible. A doctor can properly diagnose your injuries and begin aggressive treatment as necessary. That includes injuries unique to car crashes, like whiplash. Furthermore, if you put it off, the insurance company may later dispute the nature and extent of your injuries.

An attorney can arrange for victims to receive qualified medical care from an accident specialist. Furthermore, an attorney usually sends a letter of protection to the provider. So, the victim must pay nothing upfront.

If you were hurt in an accident, reach out to https://tittlelawfirm.com/ or another qualified attorney right away.

Jerusalem Embassy: Dozens Killed in Gaza Clashes as US Opens Embassy

Roy Siemens
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0
Jerusalem Embassy: Dozens Killed in Gaza Clashes as US Opens Embassy

More than 40 Palestinians have been killed and 1,800 wounded by Israeli troops in clashes on the Gaza border, Palestinian officials say.

The clashes took place as the US opened its embassy in Jerusalem, a controversial move that has infuriated Palestinians.

Palestinians see the move as a clear US backing for Israeli rule over the whole city, whose eastern part they lay claim to.

President Donald Trump sent a video message to the opening ceremony, saying Jerusalem move had been a “long time coming”.

The president said: “Israel is a sovereign nation with the right to determine its own capital, but for many years we failed to recognize the obvious.”

Image source Wikimedia

US Embassy to Open in Jerusalem

Donald Trump’s Jerusalem Announcement Sparks Protests in Occupied West Bank

Donald Trump’s Jerusalem Announcement Sparks Outrage in Arab World

President Donald Trump Recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital

He assured the US remained “committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement”.

Palestinians hurled stones and incendiary devices while the Israeli military used snipers, as black smoke poured from burning tires.

The Hamas-run health ministry said children were among those killed on May 14.

The mass demonstrations, led by Gaza’s Islamist rulers, Hamas, are part of a six-week protest dubbed the “Great March of Return”.

Israel’s army said 35,000 Palestinians were taking part in “violent riots” along the security fence and that its troops were operating “in accordance with standard procedures”.

It said it had killed three people trying to plant explosives near the security fence in Rafah.

Scores of Palestinians have been killed since the protests began. Thousands more have been wounded.

US Embassy to Open in Jerusalem

Diane A. Wade
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0
US Embassy to Open in Jerusalem

The US is moving its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Top US officials will attend the opening ceremony of the new embassy, including President Trump’s daughter Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner.

The move is praised by Israel but condemned by Palestinians who are gathering for mass protests. Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as their own future capital, and see the US move as backing Israeli control over the whole city.

For its part, Israel considers all of Jerusalem as its indivisible capital.

Last year, President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital broke with decades of American neutrality on the issue, and put it at odds with most of the international community.

Image source Wikimedia

Donald Trump’s Jerusalem Announcement Sparks Protests in Occupied West Bank

Donald Trump’s Jerusalem Announcement Sparks Outrage in Arab World

President Donald Trump Recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital

A small interim embassy will start operating on May 14 inside the existing US consulate building in Jerusalem.

A larger site will be found later when the rest of the embassy moves from Tel Aviv.

The opening ceremony was brought forward to coincide with the state of Israel’s 70th anniversary.

President Donald Trump is expected to address those attending May 14 event via video link.

Alongside senior White House advisers Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will be at the ceremony.

The EU has voiced strong objections to the embassy move.

Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu called on “all countries to join the US in moving their embassies to Jerusalem”.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has described President Trump’s decision as the “slap of the century”.

Thousands of Palestinians are gathering for a protest along the perimeter fence that separates Israel and the Gaza Strip on May 14.

The timing of the embassy move has led to concerns about increased tension in Gaza.

Since the end of March, more than 40 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers in protests at the border.

UN human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein has accused Israel of using “excessive force”.

Israel maintains it has acted legitimately to protect its civilians from militants trying to breach the border.

Paris Mass Stabbing: One Killed and Four Wounded in Place De L’Opera Knife Attack

Roy Siemens
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0
Paris Mass Stabbing: One Killed and Four Wounded in Place De L’Opera Knife Attack

A 29-year-old man has been killed and other four people wounded in a knife attack in the busy Opéra district of Paris on May 12.

According to witnesses, the suspect had shouted “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest) before being shot dead by police.

ISIS later said one of its “soldiers” had carried out the attack.

France has been on high alert following a series of attacks in Paris and Lyon. More than 230 people have been killed by ISIS-inspired jihadists in the past three years.

Security forces have identified the attacker as being born in 1997 in the Russian republic of Chechnya, although he was not carrying any identification papers and has not been officially named. Chechnya is a republic in the North Caucasus region of southern Russia.

The republic declared independence in 1991 but Russian troops invaded in 1994 to quash it, sparking a decade-long conflict.

Image source Wikimedia

Paris Attack: Gunman Shoots Dead Police Officer on Champs Elysees

How Paris Attacks Impact France’s Service Sector

Jihadist groups, including those aligned with ISIS, have long operated in the region.

The judicial source told French media the suspect had no criminal record and that his parents had been held for questioning. Another source told Reuters the suspect was not previously known to police.

The suspect is believed to be a French national.

This is thought to be the first time an assailant of Chechen origin has carried out a terrorist attack in France.

France is home to some 30,000 people of Chechen origin.

France’s Interior Minister Gérard Collomb said the man who died was a 29-year-old passer-by, but gave no further details.

The four who were injured have also not yet been named. AFP news agency, citing sources, said a 34-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman were seriously hurt, while a 26-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man were slightly wounded.

Gérard Collomb said none had life-threatening injuries.

The attacker began stabbing passers-by at about 21:00 local time.

Eyewitnesses described him as a young man with brown hair and a beard, dressed in black tracksuit trousers.

The attacker tried to enter several bars and restaurants but was blocked by people inside.

Police first tried to stop the assailant with a stun-gun before shooting him dead, nine minutes after he began the attack.

Malaysia: Former PM Najib Razak Barred from Leaving the Country

Diane A. Wade
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0
Malaysia: Former PM Najib Razak Barred from Leaving the Country

According to Malaysian immigration official, former PM Najib Razak has been banned from leaving the country.

The ban comes after Najib Razak said that he and his wife were planning to go on an overseas holiday on May 12.

Earlier this week, Najib Razak’s long-ruling Barisan Nasional coalition suffered a shock electoral defeat.

Najib Razak has been accused of diverting $700 million from a state investment fund in 2015, but has since been cleared by the authorities.

However, Malaysia’s new PM Mahathir Mohamad, who at 92 became the world’s oldest elected leader when he was sworn in on May 10, has said that Najib Razak could face a fresh investigation if sufficient evidence supports it.

Mahathir Mohamad has said that investigations will take place into alleged corruption in Malaysia, including the case involving the state investment fund.

He stood down as prime minister 15 years ago, but came out of retirement and defected to the opposition to take on and beat former protégé Najib Razak.

Photo AP

Malaysia PM Najib Razak Cleared of Corruption

Malaysia Protests: Bersih Activists Call for PM Najib Razak to Resign over Financial Scandal

Mahathir Mohamad appears to be making good on a promise, made during his election, to release imprisoned former political leader Anwar Ibrahim.

On May 12, Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter, Nurul Izzah, confirmed reports that her father will “receive a full royal pardon” and is due to be released on May 15.

Anwar Ibrahim was once Mahathir Mohamad’s deputy, but was jailed on widely-criticized charges of sodomy and corruption amid bitter tensions between the two men.

Najib Razak tweeted that he had been informed by the immigration authorities that he and his family would not be allowed to travel abroad.

The former prime minister gave no reasons for the authorities’ decision, but said he would abide by it.

Najib Razak, 64, has also announced he is quitting as chairman of the Barisan Nasional coalition and as president of his United Malay National Organization party.

He had said earlier that he and his wife Rosmah Mansor would go on a holiday on May 12.

It is believed they intended to fly to Indonesian capital, Jakarta.

Najib Razak had faced accusations of corruption and mismanagement over the state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

The scandal has gripped the country for years.

1MDB, set up by Najib Razak in 2009, was meant to turn Kuala Lumpur into a financial hub and boost the economy through strategic investments.

However, the fund started to attract negative attention in early 2015 after it missed payments for some of the $11 billion it owed to banks and bondholders.

Then the Wall Street Journal reported it had seen a paper trail that allegedly traced close to $700 million from the fund to Najib Razak’s personal bank accounts.

Najib Razak has consistently denied taking money from 1MDB or any public funds.

Health First: 4 Things to Do If You’ve Been Exposed to Asbestos

Dana R
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0
Health First: 4 Things to Do If You’ve Been Exposed to Asbestos

Science has made it clear that Asbestos is a highly toxic element that was once filtered through concrete buildings around the world. In fact, it is carcinogenic—can cause cancer, most prominently, mesothelioma which doctor’s view as one of the worst forms of cancer.

Mesothelioma has quite a long latency span (around 25– 50 years) which makes treating it quite a challenge. Soon after diagnosis, a victim is given a 12-21-month life expectancy. The fact that our body senses can’t easily detect asbestos is what makes it a menacing threat to human health. It has no smell detectable smell and does irritate the skin when in contact. What’s more, it can spread very easily through the air and therefore can only be removed by specialists.

So, before you even start looking for an experienced lawyer for asbestos exposure, here is a guide on what to do in the event you get exposed to the harmful asbestos.

Image source Wikimedia

What to Do:

  1. If Asbestos Particles Contaminate Your Eye

One thing; asbestos dust will cause a sting in the eye but rubbing your eyes won’t help. So, if your eyes get contaminated with asbestos particles, then your first move should be to immediately flush with gently running lukewarm water for not less than 5 minutes. You can also flush the water using your clean hands. If irritation persists, visit a doctor ASAP.

  1. In case you breathe in Asbestos particles

Unfortunately, there’s no known way to expel asbestos dust from your system once it gets in. But the huge motivation is the fact that you can take steps to moderate the risk.

First, you need to flee from the contaminated area as soon as you can so you don’t get exposed for a very long time. Find an open space with clean and fresh air.

Tip: If you intend to rescue someone who has been exposed to the dangerous asbestos particles then it is important that you protect yourself first by putting on protective equipment.

  1. If Asbestos Dust gets in contact with your skin

The first step is to immediately get away from the contaminated area. And because asbestos dust might have also contaminated your clothing, it is advisable to gently remove them and have them kept in a sealed synthetic bag.

Next, you might need to take not less than 5 minutes in the shower to ensure your skin is thoroughly washed. Be sure to strictly use mild soap, and at all costs, do not rub your skin. Also, make sure the shower is continuously flowing, so you thoroughly wash the asbestos dust away.

  1. If you unintentionally Ingest Asbestos Fibres

Rinse your mouth repeatedly with clean water. If you feel unwell, be sure to call a physician or poison control without delay.

As it reveals in the above guide, you first thing to do when you get exposed to response to asbestos exposure should be to immediately leave the contaminated place. Experts insist on this because the longer you get exposed, the greater the risk of developing more asbestos-related diseases.  

Lastly, once you’ve conducted the first aid response, it is wise to seek a doctor’s medical advice.

Donald Trump to Meet Kim Jong-un in Singapore on June 12

Roy Siemens
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0
Donald Trump to Meet Kim Jong-un in Singapore on June 12

President Donald Trump has announced he will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore on 12 June.

The president tweeted: “We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace!”

Two months ago, President Trump stunned the world by accepting an invitation to meet Kim Jong-un for an unprecedented sit-down.

Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un had previously exchanged insults and threats. The breakthrough came after landmark talks between North Korea and South Korea.

The president’s announcement came hours after he welcomed home three American detainees released by North Korea.

Their release came during a visit to North Korea by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to arrange details of the meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un.

Photo AP

President Trump Welcomes Three American Detainees Freed by North Korea

Mike Pompeo Makes Second Visit to North Korea Ahead of Trump-Kim Summit

CIA Director Mike Pompeo Had Secret Meeting with Kim Jong-un in North Korea

No sitting US president has ever met a North Korean leader.

According to the White House, the American citizens detained in North Korea were freed as a gesture of goodwill ahead of the summit, which President Trump earlier said he thought would be a “big success”.

The key issue expected to be discussed is North Korea’s nuclear weapons program – over which Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un furiously sparred in 2017.

North Korea has carried out six nuclear tests since 2006, despite international condemnation and sanctions, saying it needs the weapons for its own security.

The US wants North Korea to give up its weapons program completely and irreversibly.

Ahead of the meeting, Kim Jong-un has pledged to stop nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile launches, and also to shut down a nuclear test site.

However, analysts caution that Kim Jong-un is unlikely to easily abandon nuclear weapons that he has pushed so hard to obtain, and that “denuclearization” means something quite different to both sides.

The US and Singapore have a close relationship. Singapore has diplomatic ties with North Korea but suspended all trade with the country in November 2017 as international sanctions were tightened.

Other locations which had been considered for the Trump-Kim summit included Mongolia and the Korean border’s demilitarized zone (DMZ).

3 Reasons You’ll Want a Lawyer Backing You in an Injury Case

Dana R
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0
3 Reasons You’ll Want a Lawyer Backing You in an Injury Case

When accidents occur, victims usually have many questions: how do they get compensated? Should a doctor be consulted? Should a lawyer handle the case? The truth is; cases that have to do with accidents and personal injury need to be handled by attorneys. An experienced legal professional will help answer your questions and address all your concerns. Here are three reasons why a lawyer should back your case.

Denial of Liability

Insurance companies may deny a claim by stating that you were the one responsible for the accident. In most cases, these companies do so to frustrate you so you can drop your claim. However, if they realized that you are not giving up your claim, they’ll come around and offer a reasonable settlement.

If the insurance firm doesn’t change its mind regarding its denial of liability, you may seek help from an accident and injury law group. At that point, you don’t have anything to lose. If the lawyers are capable of squeezing money out of the insurance company, you’ll be in a position to get some compensation. If they work on a contingency basis and you end up not getting any compensation, then you don’t have a thing to lose since you’ll not have any attorney’s fee to pay.

Image result for Lawyer Backing You in an Injury Case

Litigation Process

In many instances involving serious injuries, a settlement from your insurance company may not be adequate to cover all your losses. As a result, you may end up filing a personal injury lawsuit. An experienced attorney can be helpful since they’ll advise if filing a lawsuit is the right step to take. Moreover, an attorney will guide you through the litigation process to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Litigation processes are often involving since they require evidence collection to support your claims as well as your losses.

You Require Advice on a Certain Legal Rule

In some cases, the failure or success of your lawsuit will depend on a particular legal rule. For instance, the decision whether or not you are to collect insurance from a company depends on whether their employee was in the line of duty when the accident occurred. There are technical rules about what the scope and course of employment are. If you get injured on the sidewalk, the aspect of liability may revolve around questions of property law.

In one of these circumstances, you may need to consult an attorney on an hourly basis to get a feel of what your legal options may be. That way, you can then decide if it’s the right choice to file a lawsuit. If your claim seems to depend on a particular legal question, it may be a good idea to hire a lawyer to guide you through the entire process.

Having an attorney in your personal injury case is always advantageous if you’ve been injured, lost wages, and have adequate medical bills to settle. If you are facing one or all of these circumstances, it makes sense to have an expert who can give you the peace of mind you need when handling cases of personal injury. The above are perhaps the best reasons why you’ll want an attorney backing your injury case.

President Trump Welcomes Three American Detainees Freed by North Korea

Diane A. Wade
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0
President Trump Welcomes Three American Detainees Freed by North Korea

Three American detainees, who were released by North Korea earlier, have been welcomed home by President Trump.

President Trump said it was a “special night for these really great people” as they arrived at the Andrews Air Force Base near Washington.

According to the White House, Kim Hak-song, Tony Kim and Kim Dong-chul had been freed as a gesture of goodwill ahead of the planned meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

President Trump said he thought the summit would be “a big success”.

The date and location have been decided but not yet announced.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump entered the plane after it landed at about 02:45 local time and a few minutes later emerged with the three men to wave to the media.

The president said he appreciated that Kim Jong-un had allowed the men to leave as “frankly we didn’t think that was going to happen before the meeting”.

Photo AP

Mike Pompeo Makes Second Visit to North Korea Ahead of Trump-Kim Summit

CIA Director Mike Pompeo Had Secret Meeting with Kim Jong-un in North Korea

President Trump Fires Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Naming CIA Director Mike Pompeo as Replacement

Asked if this was his proudest achievement, President Trump said that would be “when we denuclearize that entire peninsula”.

He said: “It’s a great honor. But the true honor is going to be if we have a victory in getting rid of nuclear weapons.”

Of the upcoming summit, President Trump said: “I think that we’re going to have… a very big success… I really think we have a very good chance of doing something very meaningful.”

He said he hoped he could travel to North Korea one day and that he believed Kim Jong-un wanted to bring his country “into the real world”.

The three men were smiling and waving and appeared in good health.

In an impromptu chat before the media with President Trump, Kim Dong-chul said: “It’s like a dream and we are very, very happy. We were treated in many different ways. For me, I had to do a lot of labor. But when I got sick I was also treated by them.”

Kim Hak-song, Tony Kim and Kim Dong-chul had released an earlier statement saying: “We would like to express our deep appreciation to the United States government, President Trump, Secretary [of State Mike] Pompeo and the people of the United States for bringing us home.

“We thank God and all our families and friends who prayed for us and for our return.”

The three men had been jailed for anti-state activities and placed in labor camps.

Their release came during a visit to North Korea by Mike Pompeo to arrange details of the meeting between President Trump and Kim Jong-un.

According to the North Korean state news agency KCNA, Kim Jong-un said he had accepted a US proposal to grant the three detainees an amnesty, adding that his meeting with President Trump would be an “excellent first step” towards improving the situation on the Korean peninsula.

Mike Pompeo Makes Second Visit to North Korea Ahead of Trump-Kim Summit

Roy Siemens
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0
Mike Pompeo Makes Second Visit to North Korea Ahead of Trump-Kim Summit

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is making a second surprise visit to North Korea, with speculation growing that he will bring home three jailed Americans.

His visit is intended to lay the groundwork for a historic summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and President Donald Trump.

Mike Pompeo told reporters he was hoping to finalize plans for talks, which are likely to focus on denuclearization.

However, the release of the detainees is a central issue for the Americans.

A South Korean presidential official told news agency Yonhap that North Korea was expected to release the US citizens as a “goodwill gesture”.

Mike Pompeo said he hoped Pyongyang would “do the right thing” and release three Americans imprisoned in North Korea.

He said: “We’ve been asking for the release of these detainees for 17 months.”

Image source Wikimedia

Mike Pompeo Confirmed as Secretary of State

CIA Director Mike Pompeo Had Secret Meeting with Kim Jong-un in North Korea

President Trump Fires Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Naming CIA Director Mike Pompeo as Replacement

North Korea has historically used its foreign prisoners as leverage in its diplomatic dealings.

One of the detainees was jailed in 2015, the other two have been in prison for just over a year. Their convictions have been widely condemned as political and an abuse of human rights.

The last American to be freed – Otto Warmbier, who was jailed for stealing a hotel sign – was released last year but was fatally ill, and died shortly after returning home. The cause of death remains unexplained.

Mike Pompeo said a “good relationship” was formed at the first meeting in April, which marked the highest level US contact with North Korea since 2000.

A state department official travelling with Mike Pompeo said the US would also be “listening for signs from North Korea that things have substantially changed” with the nation’s nuclear ambitions.

Last month, President Trump stunned the international community by accepting North Korea’s suggestion for direct talks – it will be an unprecedented move for a sitting US president to meet a North Korean leader.

President Trump referred to Mike Pompeo’s latest visit while announcing that the US was withdrawing from the nuclear agreement with Iran.

Are You Ready to Buy a Home?

Dana R
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0
Are You Ready to Buy a Home?

With so much confusion surrounding the housing market today, how do you know when you’re ready to buy a home? Most Americans dream of owning a home, yet so few are able to make this dream a reality today. Buying a home is a huge financial decision. There are not only a lot of unexpected costs of owning a home, but many housing markets are expensive.

That being said, most renters are tired of throwing their money away for nothing. Buying a home means gaining equity and growing your assets. Are you ready to buy a home? This guide will discuss whether you’re ready to take this big step towards buying a home!

 

Image via Unsplash

First, How Are Your Finances?

Obviously, your first step is understanding your own financial situation. Your bank accounts can’t lie, and they’re the best source of information about whether or not you’re prepared to own a home. Do you have any debt? What kind of debt? Do you have loans? While it’s okay to have loans and some debt if you’re planning to buy a home, you need to realize how this will affect your mortgage. Use this mortgage calculator to assess your cost of buying a home with your current finances.

How is Your Credit Score?

The better your credit score, the more likely you’ll get a great rate on a home loan. While it’s possible to get a home with an average credit score, you should expect to pay a higher interest rate than those with better scores. Before buying a home you should carefully monitor your credit score! Be proactive with your credit by making large payments towards debt and checking your credit for unusual activity.

Do You Have Money for a Down Payment?

The hardest financial part about affording a home is affording a large down payment. It’s understood that the greater your down payment, the better fit you are to own a home. While you don’t need to make a 20% downpayment to afford a loan, you need to be serious with your payment. There are some options for those who are only able to pay between 3.5% and 10%, but this comes with additional insurance needs which will drive up your monthly rates. In general, you should prepare yourself with savings prior to searching for homes!

Can You Afford to Own a Home

The best part about renting a home is not worrying about unexpected payments. If something breaks, your landlord has to take care of it. When you own a home it’s all up to you. The entire home becomes your responsibility, and that can add up pretty fast depending on the age of your home. It’s impossible to prepare for the unexpected. That’s why it’s called unexpected! You need to have money put away securely to afford any unexpected surprises.

In addition to unexpected payments for repairs and maintenance, you’ll also need to afford your cost associated with buying a home. There are more things to pay than simply your down payment! Your closing costs can add up quickly, and you also need to include the cost of moving. Owning a home also comes with fees like property taxes, insurance, fees, and utilities. Really consider if you can afford this price before making that big step!

Preparing to Buy a Home

Buying a home is a big decision you shouldn’t make lightly. You’ll need to think long and hard about the reality of your financial situation. How is your credit score? Are you able to make a decent down payment? Do you have savings to pay for unexpected costs? These are all questions you need to ask before buying a home. When you’re ready, you’ll be able to make the best choice about buying a home!

President Donald Trump Pulls US Out of Iran Nuclear Deal

Roy Siemens
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0
President Donald Trump Pulls US Out of Iran Nuclear Deal

President Donald Trump has announced he will withdraw the US from an Obama-era nuclear agreement with Iran.

Calling it “decaying and rotten”, President Trump said the deal was “an embarrassment” to him “as a citizen”.

Going against advice from European allies, the president said he would re-impose economic sanctions that were waived when the deal was signed in 2015.

Iran has responded saying that it was preparing to restart uranium enrichment, key for making both nuclear energy and weapons.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said: “The US has announced that it doesn’t respect its commitments.

“I have ordered the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to be ready to start the enrichment of uranium at industrial levels.”

Image source Flickr

Hassan Rouhani said he would “wait a few weeks” to speak to allies and the other signatories to the nuclear deal.

According to the Treasury, economic sanctions would not be re-imposed on Iran immediately, but would be subject to 90-day and 180-day wind-down periods.

In a statement on its website, the Treasury said sanctions would be re-imposed on the industries mentioned in the 2015 deal, including Iran’s oil sector, aircraft exports, precious metals trade, and Iranian government attempts to buy US dollar banknotes.

Gulf Leaders Skip Camp David Summit on Iran Deal

The UK, France and Germany – who are also signatories to the deal – have said they “regret” the American decision.

The EU’s top diplomat, Federica Mogherini, said the EU was “determined to preserve” the deal.

However, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says he “fully supports” President Trump’s “bold” withdrawal from a “disastrous” deal.

Donald Trump had previously complained that the deal only limited Iran’s nuclear activities for a fixed period; had failed to stop the development of ballistic missiles; and had handed Iran a $100 billion windfall that it used “as a slush fund for weapons, terror, and oppression” across the Middle East.

Former Secretary of State John Kerry, who was involving in negotiating the deal, tweeted that pulling out of it risked “dragging the world back to the brink we faced a few years ago”.

The so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) saw Iran agree to limit the size of its stockpile of enriched uranium – which is used to make reactor fuel, but also nuclear weapons – for 15 years and the number of centrifuges installed to enrich uranium for 10 years.

Iran also agreed to modify a heavy water facility so it could not produce plutonium suitable for a bomb.

Maurane Dies Aged 57 Days After Returning to Stage

Sonia Pantiss
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Maurane Dies Aged 57 Days After Returning to Stage

Belgian singer Maurane has died at the age of 57, days after she gave her first stage performance in two years.

She was found dead at her home in Schaerbeek, near Brussels, on May 7. The cause of death is not yet known but is not seen as suspicious.

Maurane was best known in recent years for her role in a TV talent show for young singers, Nouvelle Star (New Star).

The singer had been forced to halt her career in 2016 because of problems with her vocal cords.

Image source Wikimedia

Dolores O’Riordan Death: Cranberries Lead Singer Dies Aged 46

France Gall Dies from Cancer Aged 70

Born Claudine Luypaerts, Maurane was known across the French-speaking world and had performed with artists including Celine Dion and Johnny Hallyday.

Maurane had returned to the stage in Brussels at the weekend, taking part in a concert in tribute to the late Jacques Brel, one of Belgium’s most famous singer-songwriters. She was preparing to go on tour in spring 2019.

Only 24 hours before her death Maurane had given an interview speaking of a kind of “rebirth”, because health problems meant “I really believed for almost a year that I would never sing again”.

Maurane’s return to the stage, in a duet with young Belgian artist Typh Barrow, was widely praised.

Danser, the first of her ten solo albums, was released in 1986.

In 1991, Ami ou Ennemi sold more than 300,000 copies and received a platinum disc in France.

#MeToo: NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman Resigns Following Assault Allegations

Diane A. Wade
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0
#MeToo: NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman Resigns Following Assault Allegations

New York Attorney General and #MeToo supporter Eric Schneiderman has announced his resignation following allegations of assault by four women.

The New Yorker magazine published a report quoting the women, two of them his ex-girlfriends, who accused the 63-year-old of hitting them.

Eric Schneiderman has been a vocal supporter of the #MeToo movement against harassment and a fierce opponent of President Donald Trump.

In a statement, Eric Schneiderman, who “strongly contests” the allegations, said: “In the privacy of intimate relationships, I have engaged in role-playing and other consensual s**ual activity.

“I have not assaulted anyone. I have never engaged in non-consensual s**, which is a line I would not cross.”

He also said: “While these allegations are unrelated to my professional conduct or the operations of the office, they will effectively prevent me from leading the office’s work at this critical time.”

Image source Wikimedia

#MeToo: New York Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Weinstein Company

Donald Trump sued by New York’s attorney general for phony Trump University

Eric Schneiderman became attorney general in 2010 and had intended to run for re-election to the post this year.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo had called for his resignation, following the reports.

The governor said: “No-one is above the law, including New York’s top legal officer.

“I do not believe it is possible for Eric Schneiderman to continue to serve as attorney general.”

Andrew Cuomo said he would ask a prosecutor to investigate the allegations.

One of the accusers, Michelle Manning Barish tweeted after the allegations were published: “After the most difficult month of my life – I spoke up.

“For my daughter and for all women. I could not remain silent and encourage other women to be brave for me.”

Jennifer Cunningham, Eric Schneiderman’s ex-wife, released a statement on May 7 saying: “I’ve known Eric for nearly 35 years as a husband, father, and friend… I find it impossible to believe these allegations are true.”

Last month, The New Yorker won a joint Pulitzer Prize with The New York Times for its reporting on harassment in Hollywood.

The reports brought down Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, who has denied dozens of misconduct allegations.

Alexei Navalny Arrested at Moscow Anti-Putin Rally

Diane A. Wade
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0
Alexei Navalny Arrested at Moscow Anti-Putin Rally

Russia’s most prominent opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, has been held at a Moscow rally two days before Vladimir Putin’s inauguration.

Alexei Navalny was carried away struggling through the crowd of demonstrators, who had gathered to protest at President Putin’s forthcoming fourth term in office.

Moscow and St Petersburg rallies were not approved by the authorities.

At least 1,000 arrests were reportedly made at rallies across Russia.

On May 6, Alexei Navalny was released from police custody after being charged with organizing a rally and resisting the police.

Protesters on Moscow’s Pushkin Square shouted slogans such as “Down with the tsar!” – “tsar” was the historical title of Russia’s pre-revolutionary emperors – and “Russia without Putin!”. In St Petersburg, Russia’s second city, they shouted “Jail the tsar!”.

Activists have been using a Russian hash tag on Twitter which translates as “He’s not our tsar”.

Image source Wikimedia

Alexei Navalny Sentenced to 30 Days Administrative Arrest

Alexei Navalny Found Guilty of Embezzlement

Meanwhile, the pro-Kremlin National Liberation Movement held a rival rally at the same location in Moscow.

Alexei Navalny, a long-time anti-corruption campaigner is not an elected politician but has led protests against the rule of Vladimir Putin and his allies since the parliamentary election of 2011.

The activist was barred from running for president against Vladimir Putin this year because of a conviction for embezzlement, which he denies, saying the case against him was politically motivated.

Alexei Navalny has been arrested at protests on numerous occasions before, and is typically held for a few weeks before being released.

Reports say he was forced to stay at a secret location on May 4 in order to make it to the Moscow rally at all.

When the Moscow city authorities warned people of possible “negative consequences” of taking part in unsanctioned rallies on May 5, Alexei Navalny tweeted back: “And I would like to warn everyone of the negative consequences of non-participation in the rallies.”

He added: “If you stay at home, Putin’s gang will tear the country apart and deprive you personally of a future.”

Vladimir Putin was re-elected president with more than 76% of the vote, his best ever election performance.

Prince Louis: Kate Middleton and Prince William Announce Royal Baby’s Name

Lisa.Felice
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0
Prince Louis: Kate Middleton and Prince William Announce Royal Baby’s Name

Kate Middleton and Prince William have named their third child Louis Arthur Charles.

Prince Louis was born on April 23 at the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London, weighing 8lb 7oz.

According to a statement issued by Kensington Palace, Kate Middleton and Prince William’s second son would be known as His Royal Highness Prince Louis of Cambridge (pronounced Lou-ee, not Lou-iss).

Image source HRH The Duchess of Cambridge

Royal Baby No. 3: Kate Middleton Gives Birth to Second Baby Boy

Prince Louis is fifth in line to the throne.

Louis is also one of the middle names of Prince William and of the new prince’s older brother, George.

It was also the first name of Lord Mountbatten – his great-great-great uncle – who was killed by the IRA in 1979.

Lord Mountbatten had a strong influence in the upbringing of great-nephew Prince Charles and was described by the latter as “the grandfather I never had”.

Arthur is also one of Prince William’s middle names, and was a middle name of King George VI – Queen Elizabeth’s father.

Roman Polanski and Bill Cosby Expelled from Motion Picture Academy

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Roman Polanski and Bill Cosby Expelled from Motion Picture Academy

The US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has decided to expel TV star Bill Cosby and director Roman Polanski.

The academy – which runs the Oscars – said this was done in accordance with its standards of conduct.

Last month, Bill Cosby was convicted of assault last month. Roman Polanski admitted statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl in 1977.

Last year, Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was kicked out from the academy, following numerous allegations of assault.

Neither Bill Cosby nor Roman Polanski have publicly reacted to the academy’s decision.

Bill Cosby’s wife, Camille, described his conviction as “mob justice, not real justice”.

She said: “This tragedy must be undone not just for Bill Cosby, but for the country.”

The academy made the announcement on May 3 – two days after its board members voted on the issue.

Photo AFP/Getty Images

Roman Polanski Extradition Rejected by Poland Court

Bill Cosby Retrial: Comedian Found Guilty of Assault

In a statement, the academy said its board “has voted to expel actor Bill Cosby and director Roman Polanski from its membership in accordance with the organization’s Standards of Conduct”.

The statement added: “The Board continues to encourage ethical standards that require members to uphold the Academy’s values of respect for human dignity.”

Only four people are known to have been expelled in the academy’s 91-year history.

Actor Carmine Caridi was the first actor expelled by the academy. He had his membership revoked in 2004 after he allegedly sent confidential film preview videos to a friend which ended up online.

On social media, many people have been asking what took the academy so long to take action against Roman Polanski, who has been honored in the decades since he admitted to statutory rape.

The unlawful case against Roman Polanski, now aged 84, has dragged on for more than 40 years.

He admitted unlawful relations with Samantha Geimer, who was a minor in 1977, and served 42 days in prison, but later fled the US over concern that a plea bargain deal would be scrapped.

Roman Polanski has French and Polish citizenship, and has evaded various extradition attempts by US authorities.

France – where the director lives – does not extradite its own citizens. A Polish court also rejected a US request when Roman Polanski was filming in Krakow in 2015.

The Swiss authorities also turned down a US warrant in 2010, after placing Roman Polanski under house arrest for nine months.

In 2017, Roman Polanski was picked to head the jury at the Césars, the French equivalent of the Oscars.

However, he stepped down after the move sparked outrage.

In 2017, Samantha Geimer told a US court she had forgiven Roman Polanski and wanted to move on. However, the court refused her plea.

SQLPro studio – the best way to manage your databases

Dana R
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0
SQLPro studio – the best way to manage your databases

Let’s say you prefer working on a Mac, and at some point, you need to connect to one of the Enterprise Databases, for example, Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle. Or you’re sick and tired of using a Windows virtual machine every single time you need to execute a query and want a better solution. Or maybe you think that a native Mac app is a better solution for database management. In all three cases, SQLPro Studio is the client that will perfectly suit your needs.

 

What is SQLPro Studio?

This app is a manager for Mac which allows you to work with different database types, including Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, MSSQL server (on-premise, as well as in Azure), and SQLite. Being a native app for Mac, SQLPro Studio offers a responsive, user-friendly, and fast interface for convenient database management. If you’re used to working with Microsoft SQL Management Studio, you’ll find it easy to adapt to this software. In addition to its list of features, the app is also able to connect to a database which is hosted on all major operating systems (Mac, Windows, and Linux), allowing you to connect both directly or via tunneling, using SSH. 

What you can do with SQLPro Studio

Write your own database queries and examine results for two or more tables at the same time


After you connect to one of the databases, you can see its structure in case you want to create a new query. Navigating through the main window of the software, you can a query panel and open multiple views. The app’s tabs will keep everything you need carefully organized. 

The app includes support for syntax highlighting, auto-complete capabilities, as well as the ability to adjust the query results as if you were working with a spreadsheet. Besides, the app also gives you the opportunity to update the contents of a table and even create new tables if you want. 

Additional features the app offers allow you to reshape the SQL code to give it a more ‘pristine’ look and use the ‘drag and drop’ feature to move fields to the editor. Query results can be exported as JSON, CSV, and XML files. 

 

Use the built-in manager to connect to a database or configure the connection parameters

In order to make it easier for you to get access to a particular database and spare you from wasting precious time with credentials every time you connect, this app offers a built-in connection manager that allows you to save database profiles in case you need to use them later. 

Depending on what database you’re planning to connect to, you may need to type in the server or host name, provide the method of authentication and the server port, clarify the login credentials, enter the Service or SID name, set the time zone, etc. 
It should be mentioned that according to the requirements of some database types, you may need to configure SQLPro Studio to run the traffic via SSH.

On the other hand, this gives you the ability to make the exchange of data privacy. In addition to this feature, the software is able to work with different cloud services, including Microsoft Azure, Heroku, and Amazon. Moreover, the app supports NTLMv2 and NetBIOS. 

Sum up

SQLPro Studio serves as a multi-functional database management tool that is perfect for comparing query results. In addition to the app’s compatibility with different databases, it also allows you to write your own queries, organizing the results into tabs. A convenient interface with different panels gives you the opportunity to sort the data and analyze it faster and more efficiently. Using the app, you can see the structure of a database you’re connecting to, execute queries on multiple tables, change the design and content of tables, and so on. 

All in all, this software is a decent native database manager for your Mac. 

​4 Reasons Why Vaping is Better than Smoking Cigarettes

Dana R
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0
​4 Reasons Why Vaping is Better than Smoking Cigarettes

 

According to a recent study, of the 46 million Americans who smoke cigarettes, nearly 70 percent of them say they want to quit.

For most people who have smoked cigarettes for years, quitting seems like an impossible task. While vaping is not specifically designed to help cigarette smokers quit their bad habit, it can be used to curb cravings for nicotine.

By eliminating cigarettes from your life, you can regain your good health and avoid being dependent on these chemical-filled products. Read below to find out why vaping is generally a better option than smoking cigarettes.

 

Vaping is Safer than Smoking

When it comes to risk, there is no question that smoking cigarettes is far more dangerous than vaping. One of the biggest dangers that come with smoking is that fact that you are actually burning tobacco. If you vape, you are merely heating the liquid in your tank.

The combustion created when you light a cigarettes releases thousands of chemicals contained within the tobacco. Not only will vaping help you avoid dangerous burns, it can also help you steer clear of these dangerous toxins. A study conducted by Public Health England found that vaping is 95 percent safer than cigarettes.

healthcare

More Socially Acceptable

If you try lighting a cigarette in a public place, you will quickly be shown the exit. Even designated smoking areas outside of restaurants and other public places are starting to go the way of the dinosaurs. Instead of living life in the shadows due to your bad habit, you may want to make a switch from traditional cigarettes to vaping.

If you are unsure about what supplies you need to begin your vaping journey, working with a knowledgeable supplier like vapour.com or vapewild.com is your best bet. With their help, you should have no problem regaining the cool points you have lost with cigarettes.

Vaping Tastes a Lot Better Than Cigarettes

When asking a smoker what they like about cigarettes, the taste is probably not a response you will get. If you are tired of tasting burnt tobacco on a regular basis, then now is the time to give vaping a try.

There are so many different e-juice flavors on the market, which means you should have no problem finding something you love. Luckily, most vaping supply companies carry e-juice variety packs. Investing in a variety pack will give you a chance to try a wide range of flavors so you can decide what you like the best.

 

Better for the Environment

Do you consider yourself to be eco-conscious? If so, you probably need to put down your cigarettes immediately. Each year, trillions of cigarette butts are discarded. These butts generally clog up storm drains and litter the grounds of public parks and various other recreational areas.

Putting down cigarettes can also help you keep your home from getting damaged. Dropping a lit cigarette on the floor or couch can lead to massive burns. Falling asleep with a cigarette in your hand can actually lead to a house fire.

Instead of putting yourself and others in danger due to your nasty habit, laying down cigarettes for good is something you should work on. Investing in quality vaping equipment is a great way to curb your appetite for cigarettes.

President Trump Reimbursed Michael Cohen for Stormy Daniels Hush Money, Says Rudy Giuliani

Diane A. Wade
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0
President Trump Reimbursed Michael Cohen for Stormy Daniels Hush Money, Says Rudy Giuliani

Donald Trump personally repaid lawyer Michael Cohen the $130,000 that was used to buy Stormy Daniels’ silence about an alleged affair, his legal aide Rudy Giuliani has said.

It appears to contradict President Trump, who said he did not know about the payment made by lawyer Michael Cohen to Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election.

Donald Trump has denied Stormy Daniels’ claims of an affair in 2006.

The former New York City mayor said no campaign finance was used, a key issue in the matter.

Rudy Giuliani recently joined President Trump’s legal team and was talking to Sean Hannity on Fox News.

The campaign finance issue appears to be one his main motives – to deny that there was any wrongdoing.

Michael Cohen’s $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 election could count as an illegal contribution to President Trump’s campaign.

Image source Wikimedia

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Rudy Giuliani said: “That money was not campaign money. Sorry, I’m giving you a fact now that you don’t know. It’s not campaign money. No campaign finance violation.

“They funneled it through a law firm and the president repaid it.”

He said the repayment was made “over a period of several months”.

Rudy Giuliani added that the president “didn’t know about the specifics of it, as far as I know, but he did know about the general arrangement that Michael would take care of things like this”.

When asked by reporters a month ago if he knew about the payment to Stormy Daniels, President Trump said: “No.”

When asked why the payment was given to Stormy Daniels, the president added: “You’ll have to ask Michael Cohen.”

President Trump might argue that the lawyer “took care of things like this”, as Rudy Giuliani suggested and that he knew nothing of the “specifics”, making the repayment personally later.

Speaking on Fox TV last week, President Trump suggested some knowledge of the matter in admitting Michael Cohen had represented him during the “crazy Stormy Daniels deal”, but did not go into specifics.

Michael Cohen, for his part, told the New York Times in February: “Neither the Trump Organization nor the Trump campaign was a party to the transaction with Ms Clifford, and neither reimbursed me for the payment, either directly or indirectly.”

If Michael Cohen did co-ordinate with the Trump campaign, the $130,000 payment would be a violation of federal election law.

Rudy Giuliani’s comments also raise the question of whether President Trump was repaying an undisclosed loan. Donald Trump’s personal financial disclosure form from June 2017 makes no mention of a debt to Michael Cohen.

Stormy Daniels’ lawyer, Michael Avenatti, said that Americans “should be outraged” at Rudy Giuliani’s comments.

He tweeted: “We predicted months ago that it would be proven that the American people had been lied to as to the $130k payment and what Mr. Trump knew.”

The payment relates to allegations by Stormy Daniels that she had relations with Donald Trump in 2006, allegations he denies.

After initially denying the payment, Michael Cohen eventually admitted he had paid the sum privately to Stormy Daniels, real name Stephanie Clifford, in October 2016 out of his own funds in exchange for her silence in a non-disclosure agreement.

Michael Cohen denied that Donald Trump was a party to the transaction.

The lawyer is now facing a criminal investigation. FBI agents searched his home and office in New York recently in relation to the nondisclosure agreement.

Two months ago, Stormy Daniels filed a lawsuit against the president, alleging that the agreement was invalid because Donald Trump did not sign it.

Cambridge Analytica to Close Operations Following Facebook Data-Sharing Scandal

Diane A. Wade
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0
Cambridge Analytica to Close Operations Following Facebook Data-Sharing Scandal

Cambridge Analytica, the political consultancy at the center of the Facebook data-sharing scandal, has announced that it is closing its operations.

The London-based company was accused of improperly obtaining personal information on behalf of political clients.

About up to 87 million of Facebook’s members was harvested by an app and then passed onto the political consultancy, the social media network has confirmed.

Facebook said its own probe into the matter would continue.

A spokesman for the social media network said: “This doesn’t change our commitment and determination to understand exactly what happened and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

“We are continuing with our investigation in cooperation with the relevant authorities.”

Image source Wikipedia

Cambridge Analytica Scandal: Facebook’s Shares Plunge Following Historic Data Breach

Cambridge Analytica said in an online statement: “Over the past several months, Cambridge Analytica has been the subject of numerous unfounded accusations and, despite the company’s efforts to correct the record, has been vilified for activities that are not only legal, but also widely accepted as a standard component of online advertising in both the political and commercial arenas.

“Despite Cambridge Analytica’s unwavering confidence that its employees have acted ethically and lawfully… the siege of media coverage has driven away virtually all of the company’s customers and suppliers.

“As a result, it has been determined that it is no longer viable to continue operating the business.”

The statement added that its parent company SCL Elections was also commencing bankruptcy proceedings.

Cambridge Analytica’s CEO Alexander Nix was suspended in March after secretly being recorded by Channel 4 News.

In a video, Alexander Nix suggested that Cambridge Analytica had helped run Donald Trump’s digital election campaign. He also detailed ways that it could discredit other politicians, including sending “girls around to the candidate’s house”.

After the scandal broke, the company said that it had only licensed 30 million records belonging to American citizens from the data-collecting app’s creator Dr. Aleksandr Kogan, and that they had not been used it in the US Presidential Election.

Cambridge Analytica added that it had since deleted all the information despite claims to the contrary by others.

In testimony to Congress about the scandal, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg had said that his personal details were among those that had been harvested.

Iowa Approves Toughest Abortion Bill in US

Kathryn R. Bown
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Iowa Approves Toughest Abortion Bill in US

Iowa has approved an abortion law banning most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected.

Republicans passed the bill in back-to-back votes, sending it to the governor’s desk to sign into law.

If the bill comes into effect it will ban most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, and rights groups say it will be the US’s most restrictive.

Critics argue the bill will make having an abortion illegal before most women even realize they are pregnant.

However, Iowa’s Republican Governor Kim Reynolds has not said if she will sign the bill.

Image source The Blue Diamond Gallery

Donald Trump: “Abortion Laws Should Remain Unchanged”

Donald Trump Reverses His Position on Abortion Punishment

In 2017, Iowa Republicans successfully banned abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

The so-called “heartbeat” bill would require any woman seeking an abortion to have an ultrasound to screen for a fetal heartbeat. If one is detected, the woman will be barred from obtaining a termination.

However, some exceptions have been introduced – in cases of rape and incest, where it has been reported to authorities, and to save the woman’s life.

On May 1, Democratic Representative Beth Wessel-Kroeschell spoke against the legislation on the floor of the Iowa House of Representatives.

She said: “All women, regardless of age, income or race, should be able to obtain reproductive health services, including abortion, free from political and economic barriers.”

Iowa’s Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union groups have also spoken out against the bill.

In an online statement released in February, when the bill was first introduced, Planned Parenthood of the Heartland’s director of public affairs Erin Davison-Rippey said: “These extreme attempts to ban abortion fly in the face of both medical and legal standards, as well as common sense and public opinion among Iowans.

“So-called ‘heartbeat protection’ bills are actually bans on safe, legal abortion, and they threaten to set reproductive rights back by decades.”

Apple Is Returning Another $100 Billion to Shareholders

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Apple Is Returning Another $100 Billion to Shareholders

Apple has decided to return another $100 billion to shareholders from its huge cash pile as solid iPhone sales helped revenues rise 16% to just over $61 billion.

The tech giant sold 52.2 million iPhones in the Q1 of 3018 – only a touch below expectations, despite waning global demand for smart phones.

Revenues at Apple’s services business that includes Apple Music and the App Store jumped almost a third to $9.1 billion.

Apple has about $145 billion in the bank, but plans to return the cash to investors.

After the announcement, the company’s shares rose 3% in after-hours trading on Wall Street.

Apple, flush with a huge cash pile on strong earnings boosted by the US tax cut plan of 2017, also announced a 16% boost to its quarterly dividend.

That came on top of $22.8 billion in buybacks executed in the Q4 of 2017.

Image source Apple

Tax Cuts: Apple to Pay $38 Billion in Foreign Cash Taxes Following New Rules

Overall, the company reported a 3% rise in the number of phones sold, while revenue from phones jumped 14%, reflecting more expensive models.

Some analysts had questioned whether demand for the most expensive iPhone would hold up after the initial rush.

However, Apple said the iPhone X was the best-selling model in every week of the quarter – despite costing almost $1,000.

The iPhone’s average selling prices came in at $728, below analyst expectations of $742.

On a call with financial analysts, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook dismissed concerns about soft demand for smart phones, pointing to the millions of people who still do not own one.

He said on a call with investors: “We still believe that over time every phone sold will be a smart phone, so it seems to us… that’s a pretty big opportunity.”

The iPhone continues to account for the bulk of Apple’s revenues at just over 62% of the total. Sales of iPads rose 2% to 9.1 million units compared with the same period last year, while Mac sales slipped 3% to 4.07 million.

Apple’s services unit added 30 million subscriptions in the last three months alone, bringing the total to 270 million.

The company’s overall profits in the quarter were $13.8 billion, up a quarter from the same period in 2017.

Apple’s revenue hit a record for the Q1 of 2018, which follows the Christmas rush and is traditionally one of the company’s weaker periods.

Sales growth of more than 20% in Japan and the greater China market – a critical area for the company – helped to lift the numbers.

6 Job Benefits You’d Love to Have

Clyde K. Valle
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0
6 Job Benefits You’d Love to Have

A benefits package can make or break a job, since it will determine how desirable a role might be to prospective employees outside of the raw salary, the working conditions and other relevant factors.

Unfortunately not all businesses are able to offer competitive or compelling benefits to their staff. With that in mind, here are a few of the perks that will be most appealing to look out for when applying for a job.

Childcare Support

Some employers offer workers the opportunity to get assistance with childcare. This can be in the form of a payment which covers some of the costs of seeking support externally, or via an in-house service.

In the case of search engine giant Google, as well as many other titans of the tech sector, this means offering an on-site crèche, day care services and support for parents who want to bring their young kids into the office.

Comprehensive Medical Coverage

Getting a basic level of medical insurance is common across all types of employment, but businesses that go above and beyond the call of duty in this regard can more easily win loyalty from their staff.

This is not just about covering the cost of essential treatments, but also paying for things like dental work and optometry, which are not usually considered vital but can still be very expensive. Some firms even offer inclusive pet insurance, which is an advantage for animal lovers.

A PEO (professional employer organization) can help small businesses to offer comprehensive medical benefits to staff that match those of much larger firms, which is good news for employees as well.

Education

As one of the world’s biggest coffee chains, Starbucks has garnered global success as a brand. It has also kept employees happy by giving them the opportunity to further themselves and move on to bigger and better things.

For example, it works with Arizona State University to help reimburse tuition fees for its employees who choose to study online to attain a bachelor’s degree at this respected educational institution.

Health & Fitness

Staying healthy is important, but it has its own costs. Whether paying for a gym membership or splashing out on expensive organic foods, there is a price to pay for general wellbeing.

Employees of Eventbrite get $60 a month as part of the company’s ‘wellness stipend’. This is a deliberately vague description for a benefit which can be spent on a wide range of products and activities, so long as they contribute to the health of the worker in question.

In-Store Discounts

In the world of retail, getting a discount can be a big deal for employees. The level of savings that are made available varies, but the ideal scenario is embodied by Whole Foods Market, where permanent staff in both full and part-time roles can enjoy 20 percent off every purchase they make in-store.

The recent takeover by Amazon has caused a few changes at the company, but this benefit remains in place for the time being.

Sabbaticals

A sabbatical is a common concept in the world of academia, but people who work in other industries can also take time away from their job without putting themselves at risk of being replaced.

Deloitte is a supporter of sabbaticals, giving staff the option to take up to a month off without, needing a specific reason, whenever they like.

This period will be unpaid, but the firm also allows up to six months’ away from the office for those who want to take advantage of opportunities that will help them to expand their professional horizons while still taking home 40 per cent of their full salary. Any benefit which supports employees and makes them more of an asset to their employer is worth pursuing.

T-Mobile Buys Sprint for $26 Billion

Clyde K. Valle
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0
T-Mobile Buys Sprint for $26 Billion

T-Mobile has agreed to buy its rival Sprint in a $26 billion merger deal.

The merger of the US’s third and fourth largest telecom companies is designed to create a more competitive entity with about 130 million customers.

However, the deal is expected to attract regulatory scrutiny over its potential impact on customer prices.

T-Mobile CEO John Legere said the new company would spend $40 billion on building a 5G mobile network in the next three years.

He said in one of a series of tweets: “Together, we will build the highest-capacity mobile network in US history!! I’m talking 30X more capacity than T-Mobile today!!”

The deal comes after months of negotiations between T-Mobile’s controlling shareholder, Deutsche Telekom, and Japan’s SoftBank, which controls Sprint.

Under the deal, Deutsche Telekom will own 42% of the combined company and control its board. Softbank will hold a 27% stake.

John Legere will lead the new company which will take the T-Mobile name and have a market value of $146 billion.

Image source Wikimedia

15 Million T-Mobile Customers Exposed by Data Breach

According to analysts, the combined company would have more clout to compete with the first and second biggest US telecoms companies, Verizon and AT&T, each of which have more than 100 million subscribers.

In particular, aanlysts say it would be better positioned for America’s looming shift to next generation 5G mobile broadband technology.

They also believe that, without T-Mobile, Sprint lacks the scale needed to upgrade its network.

T-Mobile and Sprint had been in talks about a potential tie-up since 2014, when the Obama administration stopped a previous merger attempt over competition concerns.

Under the Trump administration, regulators have continued to challenge deals they believe could push up prices and are likely to scrutinize this latest takeover closely.

The DoJ is currently trying to block AT&T’s deal to buy US media giant Time Warner for $85 billion, warning that “consumers all across America will be worse off” if it goes ahead.

As Reuters reported earlier in April, the DoJ has also allegedly opened a probe into claims of co-ordination by AT&T, Verizon and a telecoms standards body to hinder consumers from easily switching provider.

In a statement, John Legere said the merger between Sprint and T-Mobile would lower prices and help the US accelerate its development of 5G, amid fierce competition from China.

The T-Mobile CEO also said it would create tens of thousands of jobs in rural America – factors analysts say could help sway officials in the Trump administration.

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