Law firms and solicitors could see their regulatory fees slashed by almost a fifth this year. However, there is likely to be an increase in contributions to the compensation fund. Under SRA plans to be put before its board tomorrow, the individual practising certificate fee would fall from £428 to £350. The amount collected through the firm-based fee would also fall by about 18%, although actual amounts paid by firms will vary depending on turnover. Firms are likely to provide 60% of the total cost of regulation, with 40% paid by individual solicitors, in line with last year’s proportion. If approved by the SRA board tomorrow, the new fee level will also need to be passed by the Law Society Council at a meeting on 13 July. The SRA has also introduced an online renewal process this year. An online fees calculator is available on its website. Contributions to the compensation fund are likely to rise from what the SRA described as the ‘exceptionally low’ rates last year. The costs of the fund will be met on a 50/50 basis by firms and individuals, charged a flat-rate fee. The level of fee is still to be decided. Law Society chief executive Desmond Hudson said: ‘The Law Society and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) are continuing to manage the Law Society Group’s finances in the best interests of the profession. ‘We are targeting a reduction in our annual funding requirement and thus the practising certificate fee of 15%. In doing so, savings will be passed on to the profession. ‘The Law Society Council will set the final figure on 13 July. However, the level of contributions to the compensation fund have not yet been finalised. ‘Central to setting these levels is the need to ensure there is financial stability for the Law Society and the SRA to fulfil their respective statutory duties on behalf of the profession.’ SRA chief executive Antony Townsend said: ‘The SRA and Law Society have worked hard to get costs down and set fees in a way that is fair to both individuals and firms. ‘We are also expecting our online renewal system to speed up the process and make it more efficient for firms.’
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School district pulls suicide book ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’
Do you see a typo or an error? Let us know. Published: May 16, 2017 5:29 AM EDT DENVER (AP) As a Colorado community mourns the loss of seven students who recently killed themselves, a school district official ordered librarians to temporarily stop circulating a book that’s the basis for Netflix’s popular new series “13 Reasons Why,” which some critics say romanticizes suicide.The order rankled some librarians who called it censorship, and it appears to be a rare instance in which the book has been removed from circulation – albeit briefly.It also has highlighted the debate about balancing freedom of speech with concerns about students.“It would be hard for anybody who has dealt with suicide to not have a heightened awareness of things, to perhaps be a little more cautious about things,” said Leigh Grasso, the curriculum director for the 22,000-student Mesa County Valley School District who decided to pull the book.The young adult novel, published in 2007, follows a high school girl who kills herself after creating a series of tapes for her classmates to play after her death. She gave the tapes to people who influenced her decision.Her death in the Netflix series is depicted in the final episode of the first season, and the graphic scene has prompted schools across the country to send letters to parents and guardians with tips on how to prevent suicide.From upstate New York to the Midwest and California, school administrators have warned that the series sensationalizes suicide and does not provide a good roadmap for people struggling with mental illness. There is no evidence that any of the Mesa County students who killed themselves since the beginning of the school year were inspired by the series or the book.Grasso, who has not read the book or watched the series, appears to be one of only a few school leaders in the country who has taken the book out of circulation. Another school district in Minnesota temporarily pulled the book after a parent complained that it referenced sex.Grasso cited media attention and recent events in an April 28 email to district librarians letting them know about her decision.Of the 20 copies available in the school district, 19 were checked out at the time and were not affected by the directive. Still, several librarians protested, and the order was rescinded about three hours after it was issued.Grasso said the book was made available again after librarians and school counselors determined it did not include scenes as graphic as those depicted in the Netflix series.“I think we were just being cautious until we had the opportunity to look at the book and see how closely related to the movie it was,” she told The Associated Press.Grasso said her decision did not amount to censorship because the book was not permanently banned – an argument that drew some pushback in the school district.The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel cited one librarian saying there is a formal, board-approved process to challenge books in the district.“I believe it is our duty to follow that process, because censorship is a slippery slope,” the librarian wrote.The newspaper, which obtained the feedback through an open records request and did not name the librarians, reported that a middle school librarian wrote, “Once we start pulling and censoring books for all students as a reactive measure there is no line to which we follow.”The show’s creators remain unapologetic, saying their frank depiction of suicide needs to be unflinching and raw.“Many people are accusing the show of glamorizing suicide and I feel strongly – and I think everyone who made the show – feel very strongly that we did the exact opposite,” writer Brian Yorkey said. “What we did was portray suicide and we portrayed it as very ugly and very damaging.”Jay Asher, who wrote the bestselling book after a close relative attempted suicide as a teenager, said he has spoken at schools in all 50 states and tells students he would not be there if it weren’t for teachers who were not afraid to talk about uncomfortable topics.“Over and over, readers describe ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ as the first time they felt understood,” Asher said. “Recognizing that people will understand is the first step toward asking for help.”James LaRue, director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom at the American Library Association, said he understands why Grasso wanted to review the book, but “instead of just reacting to a moment, you get people together and make a sensible decision.”“Sometimes the world is a dangerous place, but reading about it isn’t,” he said. Related Articles:’13 Reasons Why’: Addressing the controversy as a parent’13 Reasons Why’ sparks conversation on suicide’13 Reasons’ sparks criticism of teen suicide depiction Author: AP Teen activists score mental health days for Oregon students Recommended
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City firm overturns TUPE ruling in Jarvis case
Employment contracts of solicitors made redundant when their employers go into administration should not automatically transfer to law firms acting for the administrators, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) ruled yesterday. The ruling on transfer of undertakings, protection of employment (TUPE) regulations, will free administrators to instruct their own legal advisers. The appeal was brought by City firm SNR Denton, which was instructed in March 2010 by the administrators of the Jarvis Group of companies. A Jarvis solicitor, who lost her job on 31 March 2010, claimed that there had been a service provision change under TUPE because SNR Denton went on to carry out legal work she had previously been doing. An employment tribunal agreed that there had been a service provision change and that consequently the solicitor’s employment contract should have transferred to SNR Denton. The EAT overturned this decision in the light of the reasoning in an earlier case (Hunter v McCarrick) that, for there to be a service provision change, the work must be carried out for the same client. The solicitor’s work was carried out for her client, Jarvis, whereas SNR Denton’s work was carried out for its client, the administrators. The employment tribunal, it appeared, had treated Jarvis and the administrators as a single client. SNR Denton employment partner Pauline McArdle said: ‘This decision is of particular significance to administrators. Had the original decision been upheld it would have hampered the ability of administrators to instruct their own service providers. We are delighted with the outcome.’
Government acted unlawfully on pension divestment ban
The government acted unlawfully when it banned local government pension scheme funds from divesting in countries contrary to UK foreign and defence policy, the High Court has ruled. The case was brought by a pressure group campaigning for an end to Israel’s occupation of the West Bank.The Palestine Solidarity Campaign challenged statutory guidance published in September 2016 which stated that administering authorities must not use pension policies to pursue boycotts, divestment and sanctions against foreign nations and UK defence industries other than where formal legal sanctions, embargoes and restrictions have been put in place. Policies contrary to UK foreign or defence policy should also not be pursued.High Court judge Sir Ross Cranston, handing down judgment today, said it was ‘clear from the secretary of state’s own evidence’ that parts of the guidance under challenge were not issued in the interests of the proper administration and management of the local government pension scheme from a pensions perspective. Rather they reflect ‘broader political considerations, including a desire to advance UK foreign and defence policy, to protect UK defence industries and to ensure community cohesion’.The guidance, Cranston said, singled out certain types of non-financial factors that cannot be taken into account even if there is no significant risk of causing financial detriment to the scheme and no good reason to think scheme members would object. ‘Yet the same decision would be permissible if the non-financial factors taken into account concerned other matters, for example, public health, the environment, or treatment of the workforce,’ he noted.’In my judgment the secretary of state has not justified the distinction drawn between these and other non-financial cases by reference to a pensions’ purpose. In issuing the challenged part of the guidance he has acted for an unauthorised purpose and therefore unlawfully.’However, Cranston said this part of the guidance was not unlawful for uncertainty.The Palestine Solidarity Campaign was represented by London firm Bindmans. Jamie Potter, partner in the public law and human rights team, said: ‘Individuals, and the pension schemes that work for them, should be entitled to take a stand against the role of foreign countries and the arms trade in violations of human rights around the world.’This outcome is a reminder to the government that it cannot improperly interfere in the exercise of freedom of conscience and protest in order to pursue its own agenda.’A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: ‘It is an important principle that foreign policy matters are for the UK government to decide. We will consider the judgment and next steps.’
Concrete evidence needed to investigate Asot – Wickham
Share NewsPoliticsRegional Concrete evidence needed to investigate Asot – Wickham by: – June 22, 2018 Share (Antigua Observer) Political analyst Peter Wickham has opined that an investigation into actions of former member of cabinet Asot Michael by the Integrity Commission under the Integrity in Public Life Act and the Prevention of Corruption Act, should not be based on allegations.Michael was recently implicated in a United Kingdom (U.K.) scandal where it was alleged that he demanded money, a car and campaign finances from British investor, Peter Virdee.In May, he resigned from the Cabinet as the investment and trade minister, but still remains the member of Parliament for the St. Peter constituency.In an interview with OBSERVER media, Wickham said as far as he is aware, the allegations leveled against Michael have not been proven and the evidence is questionable.“My science is that until you have some kind of verifiable information on the table, it’s difficult as a local agency to pick up something that the U.K. court hasn’t been able to pass judgement on themselves,” he said.He added, “All of this is based on a conversation that was overheard and up to now we don’t have confirmation as to who the principals were and what not and I think a lot is depending on what the U.K. courts do with regards to this information.” 55 Views no discussions
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ST Joins Zhaga Consortium to Advance Use of NFC Technology in Industrial Lighting
STMicroelectronics has become an Associate member of the Zhaga Consortium to advance the deployment of NFC technology in the industrial lighting market.The Zhaga Consortium is a global industry organization that aims to standardize interfaces of LED luminaires. ST’s membership to the Zhaga Consortium sets to facilitate the integration of NFC in lighting products and accelerate the emergence of new standards. One of the key benefits of NFC technology is the ability to improve flexibility and efficiency of LED-driver manufacturing lines.With the Zhaga Consortium, the lighting industry is paving the way towards harmonized and interoperable usage of NFC technology, driving new opportunities to enhance lighting-equipment connectivity. STMicro’s solid know-how in connectivity and lighting technologies is key to building the bridge between NFC standards and lighting-industry requirements.STMicroelectronics offers a wide range of solutions for the lighting industry including LED driver chips, and a rich portfolio of NFC tags, including ST25DV Series for NFC Forum type 5 dynamic tags.Click here to learn more about the Zhaga Consortium.
Cleveland Browns Announce 2017 Preseason Schedule
Related TopicsCleveland BrownsPreseason Schedule Today the Cleveland Browns released their 2017 Preseason Schedule for the season and it is as followed.Week 1: August 10-14 vs New Orleans SaintsWeek 2: August 21 vs New York Giants (Monday Night Game)Week 3: August 24-27 at Tampa Bay BuccaneersWeek 4: August 31-September 1 at Chicago BearsSpecific dates and times for the game will be released in the future. The NFL is also expected to release the regular-season schedule this month.The Browns would be returning home for the first time since they defeated the San Diego Chargers on Christmas Eve and earned their first victory of the 2016 season when they face the Saints.The last time the Browns faced the Saints was during the 2014 season and the Browns defeated the Saints 26-24 but have not matched up with them in preseason play since 1982.When the Browns face the Giants that would be the first Monday Night preseason game in Cleveland since 1992.The Browns will be playing the Buccaneers for the third consecutive season in preseason play.Lastly the Browns will close out their preseason against the Bears for the 14th consecutive season and will also play against each other during the 2017 regular season. Payton Vince
Payton Vince is either talking about sports or watching sports. He covers sports for Metro Networks and is also a writer for LastWordOnSports.com. He grew up in Brooklyn Heights,Ohio for most of his life then around senior year of high school moved to Cleveland. A fan of the Cleveland Indians, Cavaliers, and a Pittsburgh Steelers, he graduated from Cuyahoga Heights High School (Class of 2014) and also graduated from the Ohio Center for Broadcasting in 2015. He bowled and played baseball in high school, and is a huge fan of independent wrestling and WWE, and can almost always find him at an independent show. Lastly, Payton is a backstage interviewer for Mega Championship Wrestling in Elyria, and is one of the three on ‘That Sports Show’ which airs daily from 2-4pm on AllSportsCleveland.com.
Student struck by car on Port Road in critical condition
Share By Gaige Davilaeditor@portisabelsouthpadre.comA Port Isabel High School student was struck by a car on Port Road in Port Isabel around 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, according to Port Isabel Police Department.The student, who is 17-years-old, is currently in Valley Regional Hospital in Brownsville, Texas. As of Wednesday morning (January 15), the student’s condition was listed as “critical,” for head trauma they experienced in the collision.Witnesses say they saw the student arguing with another person along Port Road, when the student attempted to walk across the road. A vehicle, a black Dodge Charger, stopped when the student entered the road, then continued driving after the student returned to the sidewalk. As the vehicle neared the student, witnesses say the student threw himself into the vehicle’s path, where he collided with the Charger’s roof and windshield. Bystanders who witnessed the collision moved the student across the street, in front of the Laguna Madre Youth Center, and waited until first responders arrived. Port Isabel Police Department Chief Robert Lopez said the student was conscious when officers arrived at the scene but was not able to speak.PIPD’s investigation is ongoing, but Lopez said the incident will likely be deemed an accident. Involved parties, such as the driver, the person the student was seen with, and the witnesses, have all been cooperative. Lopez said PIPD will update their findings on Friday, January 17. Lopez also said PIPD will attempt to interview the student once their condition improves. RelatedStudent struck by car diesBy Gaige Davila editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com A Port Isabel High School senior who was struck by a car on January 14 has died, Port Isabel Police Department (PIPD) confirmed to the PRESS. The student was in a coma until their passing. The PRESS was told by sources familiar with the student’s…January 24, 2020In “News”Drunk driver collides with school bus By DINA ARÉVALO Port Isabel-South Padre Press editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com It was a long ride home for some Raymondville students after the school bus they were traveling in was struck by a motorist in Port Isabel last Thursday. “They slammed behind the bus. They were intoxicated,” said Port Isabel Police Chief Robert…June 2, 2017In “News”Trial rescheduled for driver in fatal crashBy ESTEVAN MEDRANO Port Isabel-South Padre Press press@portisabelsouthpadre.com The trial for Laguna Vista resident Ana Luisa Alcocer-Padilla for allegedly striking Rebecca Haugh in a fatal car accident on April 29, 2014 has been rescheduled. Originally set for November 2014, the trial has since been pushed back multiple times and is now…April 11, 2015In “News”
A Number of Browns on the List of Modern-Era Nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019
Matt Loede has been a part of the Cleveland Sports Media for over 21 years, with experience covering Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, the National Football League and even high school and college events. He has been a part of the Cleveland Indians coverage since the opening of Jacobs/Progressive Field in 1994, and spent two and a half years covering the team for 92.3 The Fan, and covers them daily for Associated Press Radio. You can follow Matt on Twitter HERE. Matt Loede Today the NFL announced the list of modern-era nominees for the Class of 2019, and couple former Cleveland Browns are on the list to possibly get into the Hall next year.Here’s who is on the list who played for the Browns at one point in their careerQB Jeff Garcia – The long time 49’ers QB came to the Browns on March 9th, 2004, spending one season with the team. In one game as the teams starter in 04 he went 8 for 27 passes for 71 yards and 3 interceptions in a 19–12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, resulting in a career-low passer rating of 0. He spent a solid part of the season on the bench injured. RB Earnest Byner – While Byner sadly is most known for ‘The Fumble’ in 1987, he was a workhose back who along with Kevin Mack combined to pound defenses during his time in Cleveland. He returned for the team during their final season in Cleveland in 1995 when all was forgiven after the 87 fumble against Denver. RB Eric Metcalf – A dynamic kick returner and running back, Metcalf was with the Browns as a draft pick in 1989 to 1994, and will best be remembered for his amazing moves during punts and kickoffs, including two punt returns for scores against the Steelers in a 28-23 win during the 1993 season. Coach Mike Holmgren – Holmgren didn’t coach the Browns, and likely his time in Cleveland is better left forgotten, as he was the teams’ president, and spent four forgettable seasons from 2009 to 2012 with the team collecting a check Coach Marty Schottenheimer – The coach that led the Browns to two of the clubs best seasons in history, 1986 and 1987, two seasons that ended with crushing AFC Championship game losses to the Denver Broncos. He was 44-27 in four and a half regular seasons with the Browns as coach, winning three AFC Central Titles. TE Mark Bavaro – Best known as a stud at the tight end spot for the Giants, Bavaro came to the Browns for the 1992 season under Bill Belichick, and appeared in all 16 games. LB Carl Banks – Another former Giant who came to the Browns when Bill Belichick was the teams’ head coach, Banks was a leader on the Browns defense in 1994, when the Browns went 11-5 and led the league in points allowed. LB Clay Matthews – Matthews was the 12th pick in the first round for the Browns in 1978, and had a great career in Cleveland from 1978 to 1993. He ended his career with 69.5 sacks and 14 picks, including a game-saving pick against the Bills at the goal line in 1989 to save the teams’ season. LB Chris Spielman – Speilman never actually played a down in a game for the Browns, but appeared for the team in preseason in 1999, but a neck injury ended his time with the team as he retired before the start of the season. Played for the Lions during his time in the NFL, and also played at Ohio State. Here’s the complete list of all the players up for the Hall in 2019: The list will be whittled down to 25 in November and to 15 finalists in January. QUARTERBACK — Randall Cunningham, Dave Kreig, Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb, Steve McNairRUNNING BACKS — Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber, Earnest Byner, Larry Centers, Corey Dillon, Eddie George, *Edgerrin James, Darryl Johnston, Eric Metcalf (WR/KR/PR), Clinton Portis, Fred Taylor, Herschel Walker (also KR), Chris Warren, Ricky WattersWIDE RECEIVERS — *Isaac Bruce, Gary Clark, Henry Ellard (also PR), Torry Holt, Chad Johnson, Derrick Mason, Sterling Sharpe, Rod Smith, Hines WardTIGHT END — Mark Bavaro, Brent Jones, Jay NovacekOFFENSIVE LINEMEN — Willie Anderson (T), *Tony Boselli (T), Lomas Brown (T), Ray Donaldson (C), *Alan Faneca (G), Chris Hinton (G/T), Kent Hull (C), *Steve Hutchinson (G), Mike Kenn (T), Olin Kreutz (C), *Kevin Mawae (C/G), Tom Nalen (C), Chris Samuels (T), Richmond Webb (T), Steve Wisniewski (G)DEFENSIVE LINEMEN — La’Roi Glover (DT/NT), Russell Maryland (DT), Leslie O’Neal (DE), Simeon Rice (DE), Richard Seymour (DT), Neil Smith (DE), Bryant Young (DT)LINEBACKERS — Carl Banks, Cornelius Bennett, Tedy Bruschi, Seth Joyner, Wilber Marshall, Clay Matthews, Willie McGinest (also DE), Karl Mecklenburg, Sam Mills, Chris Spielman, Takeo Spikes, Darryl Talley, Zach ThomasDEFENSIVE BACKS — Eric Allen (CB), Steve Atwater (S), Ronde Barber (CB/S), Bill Bates (S), LeRoy Butler (S), Nick Collins (S), Thomas Everett (S), Rodney Harrison (S), *Ty Law (CB), Albert Lewis (CB), *John Lynch (S), Tim McDonald (S), Dennis Smith (S), Troy Vincent (CB), Adrian Wilson (S), Darren Woodson (S)PUNTERS/KICKER — Jason Elam (K), Jeff Feagles (P), Sean Landeta (P)SPECIAL TEAMS — Brian Mitchell (KR/PR also RB), Steve Tasker (ST also WR)COACHES — Don Coryell, Bill Cowher, Tom Flores, Jim Hanifan, Mike Holmgren, Jimmy Johnson, Richie Petitbon, Dan Reeves, Marty Schottenheimer, Clark Shaughnessy, Dick Vermeil
Related TopicsBrownsEric MetcalfHall of FameJeff Garcia
ACLU Announces They’re Suing The Kenai Peninsula Borough Over Prayer
Decker was also joined by Kenai Peninsula resident Lance Hunt, a self-described atheist and plaintiff in the case, who gave the first non-Christian invocation of this year’s debate, back in August… Hunt’s prayer was met with little controversy at the time, but at the following meeting Iris Fontana, a self-identifying member of the Temple of Satan, gave an invocation which has been used at local government meetings across the country to raise questions about the First Amendment and the separation of church and state. Fontana’s invocation ended famously with “Hail Satan.” Fontana is also a plaintiff in the case. But Gilman later co-authored the policy which is now at the core of the ACLU’s lawsuit, introducing it with Assembly Member Dale Bagley in October. The policy essentially limit invocation-giving to members of established groups which meet to discuss religious issues on the Kenai Peninsula. It was approved 6-3, then removed 5-4, then reinstated 4-4 (Member Dunne was absent). Members Holmdahl, Cooper, and Dunne have remained consistently against the restrictions. FacebookTwitterEmailPrintFriendly分享The Kenai Peninsula Borough is being sued by the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska, after the Borough Assembly last week reinstated its policy on prayer. Hunt: “As an atheist, I reject the concept of gods or any other deity. I focus on the positive attributes of humankind, like love, compassion, and empathy. I draw inspiration from the creations and advancements of our species. It is my hope that I can invoke in you, each one of you tonight, a sense of empathy for your neighbors. Though our differences are vast and profound, we are still all the same species and we all strive to feel love, security, and happiness.” The policy also survived a veto from Borough Mayor Mike Navarre in October. Gilman has repeatedly stood by the constitutionality of the policy. During the October 11 discussion, he said… Borough Mayor Mike Navarre has asked the Assembly several times to consider appropriating funds to fight possible lawsuits from the ACLU or others who oppose restrictions on prayer. In discussion the lawsuit, Hunt wrote, “My July invocation called on the members of the Borough Assembly to be good to everyone, to recognize our common humanity, and to have empathy for our neighbors. Just because I don’t belong to a religious association, I don’t understand why the Assembly felt the need to prevent me from offering a similar invocation in the future.” The Assembly gutted the policy, then reverted back to the original policy on a 4-4 vote last week. Members Gilman, Ogle, Bagley, and Welles voted to return to the policy. Knopp, Cooper, Holmdahl, and Fischer voted to keep the changes. There was some confusion as to whether Fischer meant to vote for or against the policy. Fischer says he wanted to keep the prayer policy and voted mistakenly. During that meeting, then-Assembly President Blaine Gilman supported Fontana’s right to pray… Joshua Decker, Executive Director of the ACLU Alaska, has watched as the Assembly implemented a policy on prayer giving which he describes as an “unconstitutional discrimination about who may give invocations at Borough Assembly meetings.” The lawsuit was filed today in Alaska Superior Court. Asm. Gilman (Kenai): “Sometimes as a political body we have to listen to religious views which we don’t agree with or even atheistic views which we don’t agree with. I hope that as this progresses that people more address their comments to the Assembly more about making prudent decisions, wise decisions, and not use this so much to make a political statement. But the pastors were pretty clear here that they didn’t want the alternative, which was to ban the invocations.” Asm. Gilman: “I think what this resolution does is it balances the establishment clause that the State will not establish a religion, and the right to exercise your religious views. We are a country that has consistently allowed prayer. Our Supreme Court has said that prayer is allowed in a public meeting, but you can’t choose one religion or another. But what we should do is allow a group of people who don’t believe in God say we can’t pray during our meetings? I object to that.” Decker announced the suit during a press conference today, joined by Staff Attorney Eric Glatt, who spoke during public testimony on the policy on November 22… Glatt: “Tests that control which members of the public may offer invocations before Assembly meetings violate core constitutional principles.”