It happens to every president.
100 days in office is a big, if arbitrary, deal.
Impact, progress, delivery of campaign promises… all these things are scrutinised along with the inevitable mishaps and missteps that occur in fledgling administrations.
:: Trump aide's insight into his first 100 days
Donald Trump doesn't like this very much.
He's declared the milestone "meaningless".
But as with many things in Mr Trump's world, what he says is not often what he means.
And so a flurry of activity is under way as the milestone arrives and tallies of victories and failures are counted.
Let us look first at what HAS been achieved.
There have been lots of executive orders. Lots.
There have been orders deregulating the energy industry, big finance, approving pipelines, reviewing foreign workers' visas, bolstering Border Patrol, withdrawing from trade deals and many more.
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Trump: North Korea missile test 'disrespects' China
Donald Trump has accused North Korea of "disrespecting the wishes of China" following its latest ballistic missile test.
China is the North's main trading partner and the US president has been urging Beijing to try to rein in the reclusive state's military activities.
South Korea said Kim Jong-Un's regime had fired the rocket from around Pukchang, which is near the North's capital Pyongyang.
Seoul and Washington said it had apparently failed shortly after its launch.
A US official said it was likely to have been a medium-range KN-17 missile, which appeared to have broken up within minutes but did not leave North Korean territory.
It is believed to have reached a height of 44 miles, and was the third unsuccessful test in recent weeks.
The US leader wrote on Twitter: "North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!"
Speaking in London about the latest developments, Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe said North Korea threatened world stability and posed a grave threat to his country.
He called on the international community to show solidarity against the rogue state.
He said: "Despite strong warnings by the international community, North Korea today went through its ballistic missile launch.
"It is a grave threat to our country. This is absolutely not acceptable. We strongly condemn such acts."
Mr Trump has warned there is a chance of a "major, major conflict" with North Korea due to rising tensions over its nuclear ambitions and missile tests.
The US president said he would "love to solve things (the North Korean problem) diplomatically but it's very difficult".
And at the UN meeting in New York US secretary of state Rex Tillerson urged the Security Council to put economic and diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang.
He said it was only a "matter of time" before the communist state was capable of hitting mainland America with a nuclear weapon.
Speaking after the meeting, North Korea's deputy ambassador to the UN said the country's nuclear weapons would never be part of "political bargains and economic deals".
"In a nutshell, DPRK have already declared not to attend any type of talks which would discuss its nuclear abandonment, nuclear disbandment," Kim In Ryong said.
He added that the nuclear programme "is the product of the United States' hostile policy towards DPRK".
South Korea has warned if the international community does not respond to the North's repeated provocations now, "we will only further feed the appetite of the trigger-happy regime in Pyongyang".
China is the North's main trading partner and the US president has been urging Beijing to try to rein in the reclusive state's military activities.
South Korea said Kim Jong-Un's regime had fired the rocket from around Pukchang, which is near the North's capital Pyongyang.
Seoul and Washington said it had apparently failed shortly after its launch.
A US official said it was likely to have been a medium-range KN-17 missile, which appeared to have broken up within minutes but did not leave North Korean territory.
It is believed to have reached a height of 44 miles, and was the third unsuccessful test in recent weeks.
The US leader wrote on Twitter: "North Korea disrespected the wishes of China & its highly respected President when it launched, though unsuccessfully, a missile today. Bad!"
Speaking in London about the latest developments, Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe said North Korea threatened world stability and posed a grave threat to his country.
He called on the international community to show solidarity against the rogue state.
He said: "Despite strong warnings by the international community, North Korea today went through its ballistic missile launch.
"It is a grave threat to our country. This is absolutely not acceptable. We strongly condemn such acts."
Mr Trump has warned there is a chance of a "major, major conflict" with North Korea due to rising tensions over its nuclear ambitions and missile tests.
The US president said he would "love to solve things (the North Korean problem) diplomatically but it's very difficult".
And at the UN meeting in New York US secretary of state Rex Tillerson urged the Security Council to put economic and diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang.
He said it was only a "matter of time" before the communist state was capable of hitting mainland America with a nuclear weapon.
Speaking after the meeting, North Korea's deputy ambassador to the UN said the country's nuclear weapons would never be part of "political bargains and economic deals".
"In a nutshell, DPRK have already declared not to attend any type of talks which would discuss its nuclear abandonment, nuclear disbandment," Kim In Ryong said.
He added that the nuclear programme "is the product of the United States' hostile policy towards DPRK".
South Korea has warned if the international community does not respond to the North's repeated provocations now, "we will only further feed the appetite of the trigger-happy regime in Pyongyang".
Drinking duty-free booze on planes 'should be a criminal offence
Drinking alcohol bought in duty free on board planes should be made a criminal offence, according to airlines.
Airlines UK - which represents carriers such as British Airways, EasyJet, Thomas Cook and Virgin Atlantic - has told Sky News the move would help reduce incidents of "air rage" fuelled by booze.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) there were 421 incidences of disruptive passengers at UK airports in 2016, with the majority thought to be down to alcohol.
Twenty-three passengers from at least two different stag parties were thrown off a flight at Manchester Airport earlier this month for "disruptive behaviour".
Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade told Sky News: "Alcohol is the single largest contributory factor and it is clear that it needs to be sold and consumed responsibly, for the safety of all.
"Alcohol purchased in the airport and then consumed covertly on-board is hard for crew to monitor and control and so airlines are asking Government to amend the Air Navigation Order to make this type of consumption a criminal offence.
"We're hopeful that the changes to the ANO - alongside strict adherence to the code of practice - will be adequate to see the number of incidents come down and we remain open to any additional solutions put forward in the future."
In response, a Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Passengers should be able to enjoy journeys from the UK's airports without having their journeys spoilt by a disruptive minority.
"We strongly support efforts to tackle the problem of passengers who cause disruption on flights and welcome an industry-wide Code of Practice that has been published recently.
"There are no plans to change the rules around drinking on flights."
A CAA spokesperson told Sky News: "There is a range of work by the aviation industry to reduce disruptive passenger incidents and we will continue to engage with the industry as it explores further options for how best to tackle this issue."
The intervention comes in the wake of a parliamentary committee recommending restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol at terminals.
The Lords Licensing Act committee said it was "not for one moment" convinced the voluntary code of conduct introduced last year was proving effective in dealing with the problem.
The committee wants the 2003 Licensing Act to apply to airports like it does to other premises selling alcohol.
This could potentially mean an end to early morning airport drinking and hours more in line with pubs and restaurants.
However, the Airport Operators Association has rejected such calls.
A spokesman for the industry body, which represents the UK's airports, said the organisation thinks the code "is the best way to address the issues raised in this report".
Airlines UK - which represents carriers such as British Airways, EasyJet, Thomas Cook and Virgin Atlantic - has told Sky News the move would help reduce incidents of "air rage" fuelled by booze.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) there were 421 incidences of disruptive passengers at UK airports in 2016, with the majority thought to be down to alcohol.
Twenty-three passengers from at least two different stag parties were thrown off a flight at Manchester Airport earlier this month for "disruptive behaviour".
Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade told Sky News: "Alcohol is the single largest contributory factor and it is clear that it needs to be sold and consumed responsibly, for the safety of all.
"Alcohol purchased in the airport and then consumed covertly on-board is hard for crew to monitor and control and so airlines are asking Government to amend the Air Navigation Order to make this type of consumption a criminal offence.
"We're hopeful that the changes to the ANO - alongside strict adherence to the code of practice - will be adequate to see the number of incidents come down and we remain open to any additional solutions put forward in the future."
In response, a Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Passengers should be able to enjoy journeys from the UK's airports without having their journeys spoilt by a disruptive minority.
"We strongly support efforts to tackle the problem of passengers who cause disruption on flights and welcome an industry-wide Code of Practice that has been published recently.
"There are no plans to change the rules around drinking on flights."
A CAA spokesperson told Sky News: "There is a range of work by the aviation industry to reduce disruptive passenger incidents and we will continue to engage with the industry as it explores further options for how best to tackle this issue."
The intervention comes in the wake of a parliamentary committee recommending restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol at terminals.
The Lords Licensing Act committee said it was "not for one moment" convinced the voluntary code of conduct introduced last year was proving effective in dealing with the problem.
The committee wants the 2003 Licensing Act to apply to airports like it does to other premises selling alcohol.
This could potentially mean an end to early morning airport drinking and hours more in line with pubs and restaurants.
However, the Airport Operators Association has rejected such calls.
A spokesman for the industry body, which represents the UK's airports, said the organisation thinks the code "is the best way to address the issues raised in this report".
UKIP leader Paul Nuttall to stand in Boston and Skegness
UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall has announced he will stand in the Lincolnshire seat of Boston and Skegness at the General Election.
The constituency has been described as the "most Brexit" in the UK.
Boston recorded the biggest majority for leave at last June's referendum, with more than 75% of voters opting to quit the EU.
The area has witnessed an influx of mainly Eastern European immigrants over the last decade, drawn to the opportunity of work in agriculture and tourism.
The seat, where UKIP came in second at the last election, is currently held by the Conservatives with a majority of 4,336.
The sitting Tory MP Matt Warman backed the remain campaign in last year's poll.
Mr Nuttall, who unsuccessfully stood at a by-election in Stoke-on-Trent Central earlier this year, said: "I will make it my mission to stand up for the people of Boston and Skegness and ensure there is no backsliding on Brexit."
But Mr Warman said: "A vote for any other candidate risks a coalition of chaos led by Jeremy Corbyn putting our nation's future at risk.
"That's why I supported Theresa May to become Prime Minister and voted in Parliament for her to trigger Article 50."
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Nuttall denied he was being opportunistic in again standing in an area where he had no links.
He said: "Listen, you do not have to be from a local area to be an MP. This is not a local council by-election or something like that in Boston and Skegness.
"The simple fact is, this is an election which has been called on Brexit.
"I am the leader of the most Eurosceptic political party in Britain and therefore makes sense for me to go to the most Eurosceptic area in the country."
Mr Nuttall also rejected suggestions his party's policies, including calling for a ban on full-face veils in public were "out of the BNP playbook".
He pointed out it had been UKIP's position since 2010, while ban's were already in force in a number of European countries including France and Belgium, with others considering following suit.
Mr Nuttall also dismissed Mr Corbyn as a "throwback to the 1970s" and predicted a "good number" of Labour voters would back UKIP at the polls.
The constituency has been described as the "most Brexit" in the UK.
Boston recorded the biggest majority for leave at last June's referendum, with more than 75% of voters opting to quit the EU.
The area has witnessed an influx of mainly Eastern European immigrants over the last decade, drawn to the opportunity of work in agriculture and tourism.
The seat, where UKIP came in second at the last election, is currently held by the Conservatives with a majority of 4,336.
The sitting Tory MP Matt Warman backed the remain campaign in last year's poll.
Mr Nuttall, who unsuccessfully stood at a by-election in Stoke-on-Trent Central earlier this year, said: "I will make it my mission to stand up for the people of Boston and Skegness and ensure there is no backsliding on Brexit."
But Mr Warman said: "A vote for any other candidate risks a coalition of chaos led by Jeremy Corbyn putting our nation's future at risk.
"That's why I supported Theresa May to become Prime Minister and voted in Parliament for her to trigger Article 50."
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Nuttall denied he was being opportunistic in again standing in an area where he had no links.
He said: "Listen, you do not have to be from a local area to be an MP. This is not a local council by-election or something like that in Boston and Skegness.
"The simple fact is, this is an election which has been called on Brexit.
"I am the leader of the most Eurosceptic political party in Britain and therefore makes sense for me to go to the most Eurosceptic area in the country."
Mr Nuttall also rejected suggestions his party's policies, including calling for a ban on full-face veils in public were "out of the BNP playbook".
He pointed out it had been UKIP's position since 2010, while ban's were already in force in a number of European countries including France and Belgium, with others considering following suit.
Mr Nuttall also dismissed Mr Corbyn as a "throwback to the 1970s" and predicted a "good number" of Labour voters would back UKIP at the polls.
Corbyn urges young voters to stop 'Brexit for few'
Jeremy Corbyn has made a direct plea to young people to "step up" and register to vote.
The Labour leader believes that more than two million young people who are missing from the electoral register could be key to his success.
Mr Corbyn argued that young people are being "held back" by the Conservatives and he urged them to overcome "apathy and resignation" and make sure they cast their vote.
:: Why it might be worth a punt on a Corbyn win
He said: "Over 2.4 million young people are missing from the UK's electoral register. Barely 40% of 18 to 24-year-olds turn out to vote.
"The Conservatives are more than happy with this state of affairs. Apathy and resignation will secure them seats on election day."
Young people certainly helped Mr Corbyn gain the leadership of his party and he clearly sees them as playing a crucial role in this election if they can overcome their historic tendency to stay away from the ballot box.
Labour's anti-austerity stance and desire to ban tuition fees could also encourage young voters to back the party.
However, 75% of all 18 to 24-year-olds who voted in the referendum wanted to remain in the EU, meaning many could be attracted to the Liberal Democrats, who are pitching themselves as the anti-Brexit party.
During a speech in east London, Mr Corbyn questioned the Conservatives' intentions over Brexit. He cast scepticism over Theresa May's plan for a trade deal with the US and accused the Conservatives of preparing to deliver a deal which will only benefit the wealthy.
He warned that "a Brexit for the few is now brewing, one where any money saved is handed out as tax cuts to the super-rich and their corporations, where new trade deals with the US and elsewhere are used to drive down our working conditions, and environmental and food standards".
Responding to extracts of the speech, Conservative Party chairman Patrick McLoughlin said: "At this election there is a very clear choice on the ballot paper.
"Do you want Theresa May to protect Britain's interests through Brexit and beyond - or the weak, floundering and nonsensical Jeremy Corbyn who doesn't even have the confidence of three quarters of his own MPs?"
Meanwhile, in an interview with the i newspaper, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said he wants to be the leader of the opposition. He described Jeremy Corbyn as "a perfectly nice man" but "demonstrably the worst leader in British political history in terms of effectiveness".
He added: "Britain needs a decent strong opposition and I'm asking the British people to give that job to me."
The Labour leader believes that more than two million young people who are missing from the electoral register could be key to his success.
Mr Corbyn argued that young people are being "held back" by the Conservatives and he urged them to overcome "apathy and resignation" and make sure they cast their vote.
:: Why it might be worth a punt on a Corbyn win
He said: "Over 2.4 million young people are missing from the UK's electoral register. Barely 40% of 18 to 24-year-olds turn out to vote.
"The Conservatives are more than happy with this state of affairs. Apathy and resignation will secure them seats on election day."
Young people certainly helped Mr Corbyn gain the leadership of his party and he clearly sees them as playing a crucial role in this election if they can overcome their historic tendency to stay away from the ballot box.
Labour's anti-austerity stance and desire to ban tuition fees could also encourage young voters to back the party.
However, 75% of all 18 to 24-year-olds who voted in the referendum wanted to remain in the EU, meaning many could be attracted to the Liberal Democrats, who are pitching themselves as the anti-Brexit party.
During a speech in east London, Mr Corbyn questioned the Conservatives' intentions over Brexit. He cast scepticism over Theresa May's plan for a trade deal with the US and accused the Conservatives of preparing to deliver a deal which will only benefit the wealthy.
He warned that "a Brexit for the few is now brewing, one where any money saved is handed out as tax cuts to the super-rich and their corporations, where new trade deals with the US and elsewhere are used to drive down our working conditions, and environmental and food standards".
Responding to extracts of the speech, Conservative Party chairman Patrick McLoughlin said: "At this election there is a very clear choice on the ballot paper.
"Do you want Theresa May to protect Britain's interests through Brexit and beyond - or the weak, floundering and nonsensical Jeremy Corbyn who doesn't even have the confidence of three quarters of his own MPs?"
Meanwhile, in an interview with the i newspaper, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said he wants to be the leader of the opposition. He described Jeremy Corbyn as "a perfectly nice man" but "demonstrably the worst leader in British political history in terms of effectiveness".
He added: "Britain needs a decent strong opposition and I'm asking the British people to give that job to me."
Friday, April 28, 2017
Tillerson says 'matter of time' before North Korea can strike US
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said it is a "matter of time" before North Korea gains the ability to strike the American mainland with a nuclear weapon.
His statement came as he chaired a ministerial level meeting at the United Nations Security Council in New York, where he urged the organisation to agree new economic and diplomatic pressures on Pyongyang.
The approach stood slightly at odds with President Donald Trump's escalating rhetoric on the issue.
In an interview with the Reuters news agency, Mr Trump said a "major, major conflict" with North Korea is possible.
He has repeatedly insisted that "all options are on the table", including the use of military force.
Mr Tillerson singled out China during his remarks, imploring Beijing to use its relationship with North Korea to influence the unpredictable nation.
UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson echoed his counterpart's words.
He said: "There could hardly be a clearer threat to world peace, more demanding of a unified response, than the activities of one member of the United Nations, North Korea, breaking its Treaty obligations, ignoring the will of this Council, and making blood-curdling threats to inflict grievous harm on peoples of other countries.
"We urge other partners with direct influence on North Korea to use their leverage to the full, with the aim of easing tensions and ensuring compliance with the expressed will of the UN."
However China seems reluctant to do so.
Addressing the Security Council chamber, China's foreign minister Wang Yi said the answer to the problem did not lie with his country.
He warned that the use of force in the region would lead to "disaster", and that the existing situation could easily "spiral out of control".
His statement came as he chaired a ministerial level meeting at the United Nations Security Council in New York, where he urged the organisation to agree new economic and diplomatic pressures on Pyongyang.
The approach stood slightly at odds with President Donald Trump's escalating rhetoric on the issue.
In an interview with the Reuters news agency, Mr Trump said a "major, major conflict" with North Korea is possible.
He has repeatedly insisted that "all options are on the table", including the use of military force.
Mr Tillerson singled out China during his remarks, imploring Beijing to use its relationship with North Korea to influence the unpredictable nation.
UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson echoed his counterpart's words.
He said: "There could hardly be a clearer threat to world peace, more demanding of a unified response, than the activities of one member of the United Nations, North Korea, breaking its Treaty obligations, ignoring the will of this Council, and making blood-curdling threats to inflict grievous harm on peoples of other countries.
"We urge other partners with direct influence on North Korea to use their leverage to the full, with the aim of easing tensions and ensuring compliance with the expressed will of the UN."
However China seems reluctant to do so.
Addressing the Security Council chamber, China's foreign minister Wang Yi said the answer to the problem did not lie with his country.
He warned that the use of force in the region would lead to "disaster", and that the existing situation could easily "spiral out of control".
Celebrity luxury event Fyre Festival turns to 'mass chaos'
A celebrity-sponsored luxury music festival in the Bahamas has been called a "scam" after ticket-holders were reportedly left stranded.
Co-organised by rapper Ja Rule and promoted by models Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski and Hailey Baldwin, the Fyre Festival sold tickets costing up to $12,000 (£9,200) for two weekends of "music, art and food".
Tickets included a flight to a private island in the Bahamas district of the Exumas and VIP treatment with live bands, gourmet food and outdoor activities.
Instead, there were numerous reports of flights cancelled, ticket-holders stranded, no tents to sleep in and a dinner consisting of a cheese sandwich with a side salad.
"So Fyre Fest is a complete disaster. Mass chaos. No organisation. No one knows where to go. There are no villas, just a disaster tent city," festival goer William Finley wrote, sharing photos of the event.
Co-organised by rapper Ja Rule and promoted by models Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski and Hailey Baldwin, the Fyre Festival sold tickets costing up to $12,000 (£9,200) for two weekends of "music, art and food".
Tickets included a flight to a private island in the Bahamas district of the Exumas and VIP treatment with live bands, gourmet food and outdoor activities.
Instead, there were numerous reports of flights cancelled, ticket-holders stranded, no tents to sleep in and a dinner consisting of a cheese sandwich with a side salad.
"So Fyre Fest is a complete disaster. Mass chaos. No organisation. No one knows where to go. There are no villas, just a disaster tent city," festival goer William Finley wrote, sharing photos of the event.
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