Konica Minolta to Acquire US-based Ambry Genetics in a Deal Valued at US$1 billion – Business Wire (press release)

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TOKYO & ALISO VIEJO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Konica Minolta, Inc. (Konica Minolta) (TOKYO: 4902) (ISIN: JP3300600008) and Ambry Genetics Corporation (Ambry) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement for a subsidiary of Konica Minolta to acquire Ambry. The transaction is partially funded by Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ). $800 million will be paid upon closure, and there will be an additional payment of up to $200 million based on certain financial metrics over the next two years, valuing the acquisition up to a total of $1.0 billion.

Founded in 1999, Ambry is a privately held healthcare company in the U.S., led by founder, President and Chairman Charles L.M. Dunlop and CEO Dr. Aaron Elliott. Ambry has the worlds most comprehensive suite of genetic testing solutions for inherited and non-inherited diseases as well as for numerous clinical specialties, including oncology, cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, and general genetics. They are recognized as a leader in diagnostic solutions for hereditary conditions in the United States, by having performed more than one million genetic tests and identified more than 45,000 mutations in at least 500 different genes. Ambry is known as a pioneer and thought leader in genetic testing being the first laboratory in the world to offer such tests as hereditary cancer panels and clinical exome sequencing.

Konica Minolta views the addition of Ambry as the first stepping-stone to create an exciting new medical platform aimed at fulfilling the potential of precision medicine an emerging approach to healthcare where genetic or molecular analysis is used to match patients with the most appropriate treatment for their specific disease. Precision medicine aims to improve a patients quality of life and save the healthcare system money by eliminating unnecessary and ineffective treatments. Konica Minolta plans to bring Ambrys capabilities first to Japan, and then to Europe.

This acquisition is the first in a series of strategic initiatives to secure a leading position for Konica Minolta in precision medicine, said Shoei Yamana, President and CEO of Konica Minolta. The future of medicine is patient-focused. Together with Ambry, we will have the most comprehensive set of diagnostic technologies for mapping an individuals genetic and biochemical makeup, as well as the capabilities to translate that knowledge into information the medical community can use to discover, prevent, and cost-effectively treat diseases. This will not only serve as the future foundation for our healthcare business, but will pave the way for a fundamental shift in the way medicine is practiced globally.

The acquisition of Ambry and the advancement of precision medicine marks a strategic and important shift for Konica Minoltas healthcare business. Leveraging its long history of innovation in materials science, nanofabrication, optics, and imaging, Konica Minolta has developed a comprehensive range of technologies and services in the healthcare field spanning digital X-ray diagnostic imaging systems, diagnostic ultrasound systems, and ICT service platforms for medical institutions.

Ambrys genetic testing capabilities complement Konica Minoltas advanced imaging technology to create the most comprehensive range of healthcare diagnostics for use by pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, payers, and consumers. In 2015, Konica Minolta pioneered advanced immunostaining technology High-Sensitivity Tissue Testing (HSTT)1 that uses fluorescent nanoparticles to detect and quantify the proteins that drive disease states and offers far greater precision and accuracy than conventional immunostaining techniques. With initial applications in oncology, the proprietary technology can determine the exact cellular location and amount of specific proteins that manifest in cells, offering an early-stage, highly precise diagnosis and insights into a patients disease that can inform research and a clinicians treatment plan.

Were excited by this opportunity to combine both our companies technologies to unlock new opportunities for precision medicine, said Charles Dunlop, President and Chairman of Ambry Genetics. As a part of Konica Minolta, we will have the resources, technology, and scale to advance biomedical research and enable the matching of more patients in more countries with specialized medicines that target the underlying cause of their illness.

Konica Minoltas HSTT technology will be further enhanced by Ambrys genetics-based screening techniques, which enable clinicians to analyze both tumor and normal tissue to diagnose hereditary cancer, while also providing guidance regarding drug eligibility and response. Ambry recently launched a combined genetic test for both inherited and acquired mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes to indicate appropriate treatment options for cancer patients who may benefit from PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. PD-1 and PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors help the patient's immune system recognize attack and destroy PD-L1-positive cancer cells that would otherwise evade detection by the immune system.

The combination of these bioinformatics capabilities, alongside Konica Minoltas HSTT technology, will create new opportunities for drug discovery and clinical trials not currently available, said Kiyotaka Fujii, Senior Executive Officer, President, Global Healthcare, Konica Minolta. Konica Minolta will look to accelerate innovations by drawing on the strengths of both companies. In addition to introducing Ambrys genetic-testing capabilities to the Japan market, we will look to develop new bio-imaging and proteomic services and solutions to benefit doctors, patients, and pharmaceutical companies.

Transaction Overview Under the terms of the agreement, Konica Minolta via Konica Minolta Healthcare Americas, Inc., (MHUS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta, and INCJ, will make an upfront, all-cash payment of $800 million to Ambry. MHUS will invest 60% and INCJ will account for the remaining 40%. In addition, Ambry shareholders will receive up to $200 million in incremental consideration based on certain financial metrics over the next two years, valuing the acquisition up to a total of $1.0 billion.

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of fiscal year 2017, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Ambry would thereafter become a consolidated subsidiary of Konica Minolta, continuing to operate under the Ambry name and headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California.

GCA Corporation acted as financial advisor to Konica Minolta and Baker McKenzie acted as legal advisor for this transaction. Intrepid Investment Bankers acted as financial advisor to Ambry and Jones Day acted as legal advisor.

ABOUT KONICA MINOLTA Konica Minolta, Inc. (Konica Minolta) is a global digital technology company with core strengths in imaging and data analysis, optics, materials, and nano-fabrication. Through innovation, we create products and digital solutions for the betterment of business and societytoday and for generations to come. Across our Business Technologies, Healthcare, and Industrial-facing businesses, we aspire to be an Integral Value Provider that applies the full range of our companys expertise to offer comprehensive solutions to our customers most pressing problems, work with our partners to ensure our solutions are sustainable, anticipate and address tomorrows issues, and tailor each solution to meet the unique and specific needs of our valued customers. Leveraging these capabilities, Konica Minolta contributes to productivity improvement and workflow change for our customers, and provides leading-edge service solutions in the IoT era.

Headquartered in Tokyo and with operations in more than 50 countries, Konica Minolta has more than 43,000 employees serving approximately two million customers in over 150 countries. Konica Minolta is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, (TSE4902). For further information, visit: https://www.konicaminolta.com/

About Ambry Genetics Since 1999, Ambrys mission has remained focused on understanding disease so cures can come faster. Today, Ambry remains unwavering in its commitment to being tough, innovative, committed to quality and, most of all, focused to do what is right for patient care. For more information on Ambrys full suite of genetic testing, visit http://www.ambrygen.com

About INCJ Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ), a unique public-private partnership aimed at promoting innovation and enhancing the value of businesses in Japan, was launched in July 2009. For more information please see: http://www.incj.co.jp/english/

1 A portion of the research on HSTT was commissioned under a project by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Japan.

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Konica Minolta to Acquire US-based Ambry Genetics in a Deal Valued at US$1 billion - Business Wire (press release)

Stop GM mustard release as it will harm farmers: scientists to PM – Livemint

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New Delhi: Stating that genetically modified (GM) mustard crop, which is waiting for approval for commercial cultivation from Indias environment ministry , could harm farmers of the country, a group of scientists on Thursday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to stop the release of GM mustard.

The group that wrote to the prime minister on Thursday includes Dr Sharad Nimbalkar, former vice-chancellor of Panjabrao Agriculture University, Akola, in Maharashtra.

In their letter, the scientists said they are well informed that the 21st century is the era of science and technology and that technologies emerging through use of science cannot be neglected. However, it is very painful to see a few learned scientists in India, positioned in higher hierarchies in government administration, try to introduce technology harmful to Indian farmers and to our assets of biodiversity..., said the letter, which was reviewed by Mint.

Moreover, they have a hidden agenda to exhaust indigenous seeds of crops... with those under patent regimes of foreign multinationals. There is sufficient ground to doubt their integrity towards Indian farmers, who are being made more dependent on monopolised seeds under IPR regimes of foreign multinational companies, they added.

Indias regulator for GM productsthe Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)on 11 May recommended approval for commercial production of GM mustard, developed by the Delhi University-based Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants.

The application is currently awaiting a final nod from Union environment minister Harsh Vardhan. Faced with opposition from civil society groups, farmer groups, consumer bodies and others, the ministry has planned a series of meetings with opinion makers and stakeholders before he takes a final decision.

At present, cotton is the only GM crop allowed in India and if the environment ministry grants permission, GM mustard will become first GM food crop in India. In 2010, GEAC had cleared GM brinjal but the ministry did not clear it in the wake of protests from civil society groups.

The scientists warned that the technology used in preparing GM mustard could lead to indiscriminate use of herbicides, endangering indigenous varieties of mustard.

Alleging a nexus between promoters of GM mustard and GEAC, the scientists asked the prime minister to urgently intervene.

GM mustard is also facing resistance from groups like the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

First Published: Thu, Jul 06 2017. 08 31 PM IST

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Stop GM mustard release as it will harm farmers: scientists to PM - Livemint

CRISPR’s high costs may limit development of gene therapy drugs – Genetic Literacy Project

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The ruckus over the CRISPR gene-editing system hides a dark reality: its high cost may make it unaffordable and questions remain whether most insurance companies will pay for it.

The cost isnt coming down, said Mark Trusheim, director of the Massachusetts Institute of TechnologysNEW Drug Development Paradigms, a think tank working on the problem of how we will pay for expensive new drugs. Companies will say, We are developing these medicines, just pay us; insurers will say, We cant afford it.

Editas Medicineplans to use CRISPR-Cas9 to treat various diseases, including Leber congenital amaurosisBut in itsannual report, Editas noted significant uncertainty on whether payers would cover the treatment. In fact, a handful of insurance companieshave issued policy documents that exclude gene therapy from coverage, a move that experts say establishes policy against paying for CRISPR-based therapeutics.

Companies will charge whatever the market will bear, [said Tania Bubela, a law and policy expert]. Im not even sure that many of these gene therapies will work, and not all medicine is worth the price. But if these technologies become broadly used, especially in altering T cells for cancer, payers wont meet the demands of steep prices, and Bubela predicts that the system implodes under its own weight.

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion, and analysis. Read full, original post:Who will pay for CRISPR?

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CRISPR's high costs may limit development of gene therapy drugs - Genetic Literacy Project

Finance Expert Predicts Bitcoin’s Value Could Soar as High as $4000 – Futurism

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In Brief Bitcoin's stunning year continues as Goldman Sachs head of technical strategy Sheba Jafari predicts a fifth wave for the cryptocurrency. After a temporary drop, Bitcoin could hit a record-high value of almost $4,000 per coin, according to Jarari.

Were barely past the halfway mark, and already Bitcoin is having a big year. The value of the cryptocurrency soared past $1,000 in January and then again in February. By March, its value surpassed that of gold, and on May 10, it hit what was then a record-high value of more than $1,700 per coin. In June, Bitcoin set a new record, closing above$3,000 beforefinishing the month at close to $2,500.

In all, Bitcoins first-half gain was approximately 168 percent this year, which has led various commentators,including Mark Cuban and Charles Schwab chief global investment strategist Jeffrey Kleintop, to suggest that the cryptocurrencyis in a bubble.

The latest expert to weigh in on the future of Bitcoin is Goldman Sachs head of technical strategy Sheba Jafari, who sent a note to clientson Sunday, July 2, advising that while the value of Bitcoin may drop, it is ultimately likely to go even higher.

According to Jafaris note, which waspublished by Zero Hedge, Bitcoin is still in the midst of a corrective 4th wave during which the value may fallas low as $1,857 a drop of around 25 percent.According to Jafari, Bitcoin investors shouldnt worry about this drop very much, though, because the currency couldhit a record value during its fifth wave, perhaps as high as $3,915.

Whether the value of Bitcoin does soar toward the $4,000 mark or not, 2017 will still go down as a historic year for digital currency.

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Finance Expert Predicts Bitcoin's Value Could Soar as High as $4000 - Futurism

Volvo Becomes the First Premium Car Maker to Go All Electric – Futurism

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In Brief Starting 2019 onwards, all vehicles manufactured by veteran automaker Volvo will either be hybrid or electric. According to Hkan Samuelsson, Volvo Car Group's president and CEO, "We are convinced that the future of Volvo is electric." Committed to Electrification

Electric vehicles are quickly becoming the future of automobiles, thanks to efforts by both veteran car manufacturers and startups. Perhaps taking acue from electric car manufacturing leaderslike Tesla, traditional auto industry heavyweight Volvo has decided to focus on electric and hybrid vehicles from 2019and beyond.

Volvo cars is taking a bold step forward, the company explained in a video onVolvos official Twitter account,heralding the end of an era for the pure internal combustion engine.

While other companies have yet to take the leap,Volvo knows investing in electric car production makes good sense from a business perspective: This is about the customer, Hkan Samuelsson, Volvo Car Groups president and CEO,said in a press release. People increasingly demand electrified cars and we want to respond to our customers current and future needs.

Its also a decision rooted in a sense of environmental responsibility,We are determined to be the first premium car maker to move our entire portfolio of vehicles into electrification, Samuelsson said in the video. This is a clear commitment towards reducing our carbon footprint, as well as contributing to a better air quality in our cities.

For a car company like Volvo to commit to hybrids and EVs is no small feat. It could easily translate to over 500,000 cars turned electric, if we base the numbers on Volvos 2016 sales. According to the EPA, a single passenger vehicle produces an average of 4.7 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. With their committment to electric vehicles, Volvo could potentially remove about 2.3 million metric tons of carbon emissions in just one year. The company hasalready set a sales target of 1 million hybrid and electric cars by 2025.

Will other car manufacturers follow suit?Several other companies already have their own EVs in the works: German automaker Volkswagen aims to produce one million EVs by 2025and already hasthree concept vehicles. Chevrolet has also been working to perfect its Bolt EV, and Honda is hard at work on anew charging system that could give electric cars unlimited range.

This could, indeed, herald a new era for passenger vehicles. At the very least, this proves that EVs are no longer just a pipe dream.They are the future of clean transportation at least for these automakers. As Samuelsson said, We are convinced that the future of Volvo is electric.

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Volvo Becomes the First Premium Car Maker to Go All Electric - Futurism

Mark Zuckerberg: The US Should Learn From This State’s Basic Income Program – Futurism

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In Brief Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg learned a thing or two about universal basic income from his recent trip to Alaska. The entrepreneur believes the rest of the U.S. should take a closer look at how the northern state makes basic income work. An Approach Worth Emulating

An excursion is always a learning experience. That was certainly true for Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan when they visited Alaska. The social media entrepreneur was impressed by the various social programs he found in Americas Last Frontier, particularly a basic income initiative that Alaskas been running since 1982.

The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a basic income program that allots $1,000 or more per citizen. [A] portion of the oil revenue the state makes is put into [the PFD], Zuckerberg wrote in a Facebook post. Rather than having the government spend that money, it is returned to Alaskan residents through a yearly dividend.

Another basic income Zuckerberg learned about is by Native Corporations in Alaska. These privately owned corporations that develop land run and owned by Native Alaskans give annual dividends to to their native shareholders according to the resources they develop. So if youre a Native Alaskan, you would get two dividends: one from your Native Corporation and one from the state Permanent Fund, Zuckerberg wrote.

Under a universal basic income (UBI) program, individuals receive a fixed amount of income regardless of their social or employment status. UBI is an old idea thats become more popular recently as a potential response to unemployment due to automation, but it is not without critics. An issue these critics often bring up is funding. Zuckerberg was impressed by howthe Alaskan basic income model solves this. [I]ts funded by natural resources rather than raising taxes, he wrote.

This means that running a UBI program isnt impossible, at least in some cases. In fact, a number of countries already have trial programs to test UBI most notably Finland, which launched the program in 2016. Canada has two initiatives in the works, while Hawaii recently passed legislation that will study implementing UBI in the state.

In the end, Zuckerberg thinks its all about mentalities. [W]hen youre profitable, youre confident about your future and you look for opportunities to invest and grow further. Alaskas economy has historically created this winning mentality, which has led to this basic income, he noted. That may be a lesson for the rest of the country as well.

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Mark Zuckerberg: The US Should Learn From This State's Basic Income Program - Futurism

The Tezos ICO is Already Worth $200 Million, Making it the Largest Crypto-Funding Ever – Futurism

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In BriefThe startup Tezos needs funding for its new blockchain, andit's raising it through an "initial coin offering" crowdsale. Thesale has already brought in more than $200 million incryptocurrencies, making it the largest "crypto-funding" to date. Revolutionizing Blockchain

The growing popularity of cryptocurrencies owes everythingto the system that makes it all possible the blockchain. Basically, thisis a highly secure digital ledger thats decentralized because of the way it records information and transactions. Its already impressive as it is, but the innovatorsbehind blockchain startup Tezos want to take the technology even farther.

Tezos is a new crowdfunded blockchain. It allows for consensual upgrades to its protocols, which empowersit to govern itself via what the Tezos white paper calls a self-amending cryptoledger.It facilitates formal verification, a technique which mathematically proves the correctness of the code governing transactions and boosts the security of the most sensitive or financially weighted smart contracts, Tezos claims.

Now, to get its blockchain up and running, Tezos is running an initial coin offering (ICO) through Bitcoin and Ethereum funding. At the time of this writing, the Tezos ICO has already received 53,418 Bitcoins and 273,068 Ethereum. Thats roughly $207 million at current valuation, making the Tezos ICO the largest crypto-funding to date. Moreover, the Tezos ICO is uncapped theres no upper limit to how much funding the company can raise, given the remaining eight days of crowdfunding it has left.

What is an ICO, anyway? Laura Shin describes it wonderfully in an article she wrote for Forbes. An ICO is what you get if bitcoin and Kickstarter had a baby a crowdsale of a new crypto asset (with a cryptocurrency like bitcoin being one type of crypto asset) that powers some kind of peer-to-peer blockchain network, she wrote.

Essentially, Shin wrote, it enables companies to develop new business models while making a lot of money for the developers and entrepreneurs who are launching them. Instead of relying on the usual funding channels, ICOs give businesses a huge amount of leeway. However, its not without its dangers. And were not really sure how legal they are, Shin added.

ICOs which are uncapped are dangerous as they imply and show a complete disregard for corporate discipline and to an extent an element of disrespect for the investor, Charles Hayter, CEO of CryptoCompare, told Mashable. The question that needs to be asked is can the job be done with less money () and that throws a spotlight on the fairness andtruthfulness of the proposition being offered.

But despite its yet unsolved legalities, ICO crowdsales have become popular. Prior to Tezos, there was that recent Bancor ICO which raised $153 million. Its proof that blockchains and cryptocurrencies are, indeed, changing the way we conduct business.

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The Tezos ICO is Already Worth $200 Million, Making it the Largest Crypto-Funding Ever - Futurism

Column: Freedom inherited across generations – Hickory Daily Record

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Back in 1976, the bicentennial anniversary of the United States, David Araial wrote a drama called The Inherited Freedom. The thought behind the drama was that a free America was gained by our ancestors, and each generation must do its part for the next.

David was the first formal artist-in-residence in Caldwell County. He was attached to Caldwell Community College. Davids greatest role was helping revive community theatre. He designed the theatre at the college that became the home of Foothills Performing Arts.

David spent a lot of time on The Inherited Freedom. He studied local history and the relationships among local, state and national actions in the Revolutionary War. We as in the people of the Catawba Valley area indeed played a vital role in winning freedom. There is a strong argument that the rebellion would not have succeeded without the heroics of patriots in battles such as Cowpens, Ramseurs Mill, Kings Mountain and Guilford Courthouse.

It was an outdoor production that required building a new set. The drama was well-received.

I was looking up something else when I came across an old newspaper editorial about Americas inherited freedom that was inspired by the bicentennial drama. The inheritance of liberty is passed down from one generation to the next. It is up to the current generation to ensure continued freedom.

We meaning our great country are like a very large family. Some of us do the heavy lifting in defense of home and hearth, others support the country by supporting its defenders and our method of government. There is no unimportant way to nurture liberty. The home front and the far-flung battle lines cannot exist without each other.

We are committed ideally to not leaving anyone behind.

Our family America is like individual families: Some families produce offspring, some produce the next generation of leaders or, at the very least, the next wave of patriots who will defend freedom at all cost. Not one American, however, is exempt from preserving the essence of liberty. Every citizen is eminently qualified.

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." Who said that? President Ronald Reagan.

Its something to think about.

I had a great time at the Red, White and Bluegrass Festival. Ive seen fireworks all over the place and heard tributes to our beloved veterans and those in uniform right now. I enjoy my freedom.

I realize, however, that I can hardly match the achievements of my father and his generation: The Greatest Generation. I was not among the thousands in my own generation who went to war.

My daddy and people like him gave me the opportunity to write words that extol service, achievement and liberty and urge others to be the best citizens they can. Citizenship includes speaking out against wrong and anything that could lessen the stature of our America our national family.

I am content in the promise that even if glory passes me by, I will maintain honor and commitment to my inherited freedom, with gratitude to those who have paid a heavy price for me.

Here are some comments for this holiday week.

In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved. Franklin D. Roosevelt

(And we must remember that government is of the people and limited to only those powers and abilities we grant. Freedom gives us the right to bestow where government is concerned.)

Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed. Martin Luther King Jr.

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must undergo the fatigue of supporting it. Thomas Paine

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it. Mark Twain

I simply could not resist the quote from Twain. Teddy Roosevelt said something quite similar about the presidency.

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Column: Freedom inherited across generations - Hickory Daily Record

Finance firms need freedom to choose location after Brexit – Reuters

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LONDON Finance firms should not be forced by regulators to change location after Britain leaves the European Union in 2019, Andrew Bailey, chief executive of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority told a Reuters Newsmaker event on Thursday.

Banks, insurers and asset managers based in Britain are already making contingency plans to shift some operations to continental Europe after Brexit takes effect in case access to the EU single market is closed off.

But Bailey said Britain and the EU are in a position to preserve free trade for financial services, meaning such moves need not happen.

"Firms should be able to take their own decisions on where they locate, subject to appropriate regulatory arrangements being in place which preserve the public interest," Bailey said, in his first major speech on Brexit since Britain triggered the formal EU divorce proceedings in March.

"Authorities should not dictate the location of firms," he told an audience in Canary Wharf, home to some of the world's biggest banks.

Future financial sector relations between Britain and the EU should be based on "mutual recognition" or regulatory cooperation "but not exact mirroring" of rules, Bailey said.

Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Luxembourg and Dublin are all vying for a slice of Britain's financial services industry after Brexit. Bailey said such competition was good.

But he also said Brexit should not be used as an excuse to restrict the ability to have open markets and freedom of location.

"The roots exist to come out with sensible outcomes on this."

Some companies have already announced plans to move people to continental European locations to retain access to the EU single market. Bailey said a transition period based on current trading arrangements was needed this year.

This would avoid a "regrettable" situation whereby firms had to "press the button" on moves to the EU before they know what the outcome of Britain's negotiations with the bloc will be.

"It needs to be a sensible period," Bailey said.

Bailey questioned whether restricting trade in this way was an inevitable or necessary response to Brexit.

"When I hear people say firms need to re-locate in order to continue to benefit from access to EU financial markets, I start to seriously wonder."

NO LOCATION POLICIES

France and other EU countries, for example, want the clearing of euro denominated derivatives, which London dominates, "located" within the EU after Brexit.

"It does not require a location policy," Bailey said.

Joint oversight with the EU of clearing houses in London is "something that is very clearly preferable to the cost and risk that is introduced by a location based policy."

Such joint oversight was already working well between the UK and United States regulators in clearing, he said.

He dismissed talk in the EU that given the dominance of Britain's financial services sector, the largest in Europe, there should be specific rules for the UK, rather than the existing general regime for recognizing non-EU financial firms.

"I do not accept that," Bailey said.

Non-EU financial firms from the United States, Singapore and elsewhere can currently offer their services in the EU if their home regulation is deemed by Brussels to be "equivalent" or as tough as the bloc's own rules.

This regime should be applied to Britain in the same way.

"It would not be the best outcome to adopt a special treatment for the oversight of outsourced service provision arrangements involving the UK and EU when there are already arrangements in place which can form the basis of an equivalence arrangement," Bailey said.

NO RACE TO THE BOTTOM

Britain was not interested in a "race to the bottom" in regulation after Brexit, he said.

Britain has worked hard over the years to build up relations with EU and national regulators across the bloc, he said, though he conceded that he was already being locked out of EU regulatory discussions about Brexit.

"It's perfectly reasonable ... It does not concern me."

There are already fears that asset managers in Britain will be prevented from managing funds based in the EU after Brexit, but Bailey said this longstanding cross-border "delegation" should continue.

"It works well today. There is no reason to disrupt that model," Bailey said.

Critics of Brexit have said that Britain will end up being a "rule taker", meaning it will have to copy and paste the bloc's rules into UK law if it wants to maintain access in financial services.

"I don't want to be in a situation where we become a pure rule taker," Bailey said.

For live link to Newsmaker click on reut.rs/2thSd4S

(Reporting by Huw Jones; editing by Jason Neely and Jane Merriman)

U.S. stocks fell in late morning trading on Thursday as weak jobs data from the private sector struck a bleak tone for the critical non-farm payrolls report due on Friday, while investors fretted about rising tension in the Korean peninsula.

WASHINGTON U.S. private employers hired fewer workers than expected in June and applications for unemployment benefits last week increased for a third straight week, pointing to some loss of momentum in job growth as the labor market nears full employment.

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Meet the Freedom Pastor – National Review

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Our political life is pretty nasty, as Twitter has reminded me this morning. (Shame on me for looking, you might say.) But what do we risk, in stating our views? A little ostracism, a Twitter mob, or what have you. A politician may even lose reelection, perish the thought.

In dictatorships, you risk a great deal more. Evan Mawarire is doing this in Zimbabwe. The longtime dictator of that country, Robert Mugabe, does not allow political opposition. No, he allows abduction, imprisonment, torture, and murder. Evan Mawarire knows all this, better than you or I could. Yet he sticks his neck out.

He is a Christian pastor, and a nightmare for Mugabe: talented, inspiring, principled, and brave. You can read about him on the homepage, here.

In every society, in every race and clime, there are people willing to stick their neck out for the sake of all. These people are the MVPs of the world.

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Meet the Freedom Pastor - National Review

Democracy Demands The Freedom To Turn Celebration Into Protest – Huffington Post Canada

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Canada is now officially 150 years old. Some of us have been celebrating loudly, some of us have been protesting, and some of us have been doing both.

For those who wanted to simply have a fun Canada Day weekend, the right to dissent can seem like the right to be a nuisance. Some people even wonder why democracies protect the right to dissent when we already get to express our opinions at the ballot box during elections. After all, we choose the government that represents us. Those running for office tell us in advance what they plan to do. If they don't do what they promise, we can kick them out at the next election. That should be simple, right?

So why do we need to protect people who want to upstage or interrupt our celebrations, or other public gatherings?

On Canada Day, a group of Indigenous protesters attempted to raise a teepee on Parliament Hill. They told reporters that Canada Day was a painful reminder of the wrongs done to their people. They also wanted Canada to know that their people have been here for much longer than 150 years.

The protesters were told by Ottawa police and RCMP officers to take the teepee down. Several members of the protest group were arrested. Only later were they permitted to move the teepee to a place of prominence. No charges were laid against the protesters, who were subsequently released from custody.

The thing about protest is that it needs to be immediate. If we have to wait years between elections -- and goodness knows how long the First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples have been waiting for -- authorities to address their grievances, we run the risk that we will never be heard. Protest must strike while the iron is hot; while the public eye is turned toward them.

Governments and the public in general have short attention spans. What was a big issue a few weeks ago can fall out of the news very quickly. We cannot trust that our problems will be resolved solely in the halls of various governments. As citizens, we have the right to take nonviolent and persistent action, because elections are just not enough.

But why do some protests result in arrests and others in protection from censure? Why should our governments care about the content of the expression of the group gathered together? Shouldn't police be neutral on what is being said? Why should their focus be on anything other than the physical safety of the people present?

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association and of peaceful assembly. This appears to mean that the government (against whose unreasonable actions the Charter protects us), is obliged to let people in groups have their say, so long as they do so peacefully. This should be content neutral. Opposing voices need to be heard by those in authority and by passersby alike.

The freedom of expression of each of us means that we all must have the opportunity to gather information and evaluate it. If YOU are censored, MY freedom of expression is threatened. If I did not get to hear about the Indigenous people protesting on Canada Day on Parliament Hill, I cannot begin to understand what they want me to know. Now that I know, I can choose to support or to reject their argument. That is my right.

Why was the first instinct of the police in Ottawa to shut down the Indigenous protest? It is unclear to me whether the police did not want any unplanned structures to go up, whether they thought the protest against the Canada 150 celebrations constituted a threat to safety, or if they thought that Indigenous people were dangerous as a rule. We will likely never know.

But for me, the more important question remains, why did the police not understand their obligation to protect people's Charter rights? The right to peaceful protest, like all the other rights and freedoms, does not protect itself. Law enforcement is there to enforce laws equitably.

Do we need police to protect our safety? Without doubt. But we also need them to balance this objective with the protection of our right to be heard, to be seen even in unexpected places, and to be a nonviolent nuisance. Democracy demands no less.

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Democracy Demands The Freedom To Turn Celebration Into Protest - Huffington Post Canada

170,000 people watched ‘most successful Melaleuca Freedom … – East Idaho News

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Local 0Updated at 7:50 pm, July 5th, 2017 By: Nate Eaton, EastIdahoNews.com We Matched

Officials say 170,000 people viewed the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration fireworks Tuesday night in and around Snake River Landing in Idaho Falls. | Photos & Video courtesy Melaleuca

IDAHO FALLS The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration drew the largest crowd in the events 25 year history Tuesday night.

Idaho Falls Police Chief Mark McBride said an estimated 170,000 people viewed the fireworks display. Around 110,000 watched from Snake River Landing, where more than 20,000 fireworks were shot off in 31 minutes. McBride said the remaining spectators viewed from nearby locations with crowd size estimates based on the number of vehicles in the area.

This was our most successful Melaleuca Freedom Celebration by far, said Tony Lima, Melaleuca director of Public Relations.

The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration moved this year from the Johns Hole boat dock near the Shilo Inn to Snake River Landing. The new fireworks launch pad was 40 times larger than the old site measuring 300 by 115 feet compared to the previous 50 by 25 feet. The new arrangement allowed for twice the firepower in the fireworks display.

These were the most amazing fireworks Ive ever seen, said Tommy Johnson, a Utah native visiting family in Idaho Falls. We came four hours early to get a good spot and within the first two minutes of the show I knew it was worth it. Ill be back next year.

Before the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration, tens of thousands attended Riverfest at Snake River Landing. More than 20 vendors sold food and activities such as wagon rides, horseback rides, bounce houses, and archery were offered.

Its really hot but this was the best way to spend the fourth of July, said Pocatello resident Lauren Jackson. We bought a funnel cake, snow cones and then the kids played in the bounce houses.

Emergency workers said no major incidents were reported at Riverfest or the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration but crews did extinguish some minor fires in grass along the Snake River caused by the fireworks.

Police were kept busy patrolling traffic around the site as many spectators waited over an hour to exit. Organizers admitted the large crowd caused challenges with traffic flow and they are reviewing ways to make improvements next year.

We planned for this event and overall things went pretty smoothly, said Idaho Falls city spokeswoman Kerry Hammon. This was good preparation for the large crowds that may show up for eclipse weekend next month.

Organizers of Riverfest and the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration will now meet to decide how to make next years events even better.

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170,000 people watched 'most successful Melaleuca Freedom ... - East Idaho News

Teaching The History Of Freedom To A New Generation – America’s 1st Freedom (press release) (blog)

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Every Independence Day is a day for me to step away from the distractions of our busy lives and personally reflect upon the truly amazing history of our country. I think about the ragtag bunch of brave souls who stood up against the most powerful military in the world, motivated by little more than a mere chance of possibly securing a subjective concept generally known as freedom. The degree of personal sacrifice under some of the worst circumstances imaginable is virtually impossible to fully appreciate from our generations comfy, secure perspective.

My thinking meanders through the years and gets to the big turning points like World War II and the rise and fall of the Soviet Union. Its impossible not to wonder how horrible the world would be today if not for American resolve to protect this hard-won freedom and to stop the spread of evil and tyranny in other places whenever possible. Of course, it still all goes back to what Thomas Paine described as those times that try mens souls during our fight for independence. Without those men rising to the challenge, there would have been no America to ride to the rescue on so many occasions.

Fortunately for all of us, Jefferson was a student of history like few others. That helped him form the foundation of the greatest and freest country the world has ever known.While this period of great celebration of our independence inspires me, it also reminds me of what is likely my single greatest concern: The general lack of education with regard to American history by many who reside in our country today is like a cancer spreading throughout a body, corrupting the integrity of essential life systems.

If you randomly stop 20-something-year-olds on the streets today and ask if they know anything about the contributions of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison or Benjamin Franklin, chances are good that in many cases you will get nothing more than a blank stare between nervous glances at whatever social media distracts them on their mobile phone that day.

Fortunately for all of us, Jefferson was a student of history like few others. That helped him form the foundation of the greatest and freest country the world has ever known. He knew what had been tried in the past and what had failed. America needed something new. He also wrote, If a nation expects to be both ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be. Our growing ignorance should be a warning siren blaring in our ears. A terrible storm is on the horizon.

Should it be any surprise to us when the majority of emotional numbskulls operating the so-called mainstream media report farcicallysilly things as historical fact, knowing they are likely to do so with impunity? Whats not so lucky for those of us who care about individual freedom is that some of the best examples pertain to the Second Amendment. Many in the media routinely claim that the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed really means the right of the government. Those founding fathers were just a little too careless with the words they chose back in those days, you know? The elites today know what those old guys really meant.

The historically ignorant often claim that those men born nearly three centuries ago could have never imagined the kind of technological advancements made in firearms manufacturing. They want us to believe that only the muskets used in that era were contemplated by those considering the Second Amendment because those men somehow believed technology of all stripes remains stagnant through time. However ridiculous claims like this are when put into historical context, they seem to be believed more often by an accepting, gullible public.

Too many of our fellow citizens lack the ability to think critically. When they hear claims like these, why dont they ask themselves if there are any other sections in the Constitution or Bill of Rights where the word people is considered synonymous with government or state? When they hear simpletons claim that the right to arms does not protect modern arms that look scary to them, do they ask whether the First Amendment protects speech on the Internet or whether the Fourth Amendment protects documents stored in the Cloud?

Without a great appreciation of history and the kind of sacrifice made by our founding fathers, it is easy to dismiss much of what they secured for us. Many pansies being reared today seem to be ready to squander their firearms freedoms because some bad people occasionally do bad things with guns.

Without a great appreciation of history and the kind of sacrifice made by our founding fathers, it is easy to dismiss much of what they secured for us.Its as if Madison and the others could have never imagined that there might be some cost associated with trusting free people with liberties enjoyed by few other populations anywhere on the planet. Certainly, they could not have thought that the benefits experienced by a free people would far outweigh any associated costs, right?

As the thinking of the radical left goes, free speech should be curtailed and censored because some say and write mean and dangerous things. The freedom from warrantless searches allows too many bad people to not be arrested, so it needs to be taken less seriously. Due process isnt really all that important if a right in jeopardy isnt one that is popular with todays Hollywood stars. Times have changed, so these antiquated concepts must change with them, they believe.

The historically ignorant think the best way to accomplish this is to simply reinterpret things willy-nilly as we go. They can do this with a clear conscience because they never think about the pain, anguish and challenge brought by the winter of 1777. They wouldnt know or care about the fact that the founders were actually humble and brilliant enough to accept that changes to our system of government would be needed and, therefore, created a process whereby the Constitution could be changed. Its a difficult path, but that is by design. People have to care for it to matter, though, and its hard for ignorant people to care.

The battle to educate our future generations is the battle to preserve our republic. We may be losing it, but there is still hope with organizations like the Joe Foss Institute. Foss was a man like few others. He was a WWII ace, a Medal of Honor recipient, a governor and past president of the NRA. Oh, he also pretty much created the Super Bowl, but no big deal. Im also lucky enough to know personally that he was a kind, great man who loved his country. No one could ever out-patriot Joe.

General Foss knew that to preserve our countrys rich history was to preserve our country. Because of this, he and his wife, Donna, established the Institute. Among other things, it provides free educational materials to schools, organizations and anyone else willing to take and use them to enlighten youth regarding civics and history. He wanted his Greatest Generation to have a chance to be challenged if the call should ever come again.

Foss and his wife stepped up to try to make a difference like they had time and time again. The Joe Foss Institute is certainly worth supporting as you consider charitable contributions. But we can also make a difference on our own. All parents should actively challenge their childrens schools to make sure they are being taught history, and not in the shameful manner that our immediately past president from Chicago might teach it.

Whether parents or not, we can all take the time to regularly talk with children in our lives about why America is exceptional. Hearing stories from the adults around me when I was very young was the thing that most motivated me to study history as aggressively as I have throughout my lifetime.

An ignorant citizenry will squander its freedoms for convenience or some sense of security. Our cherished Second Amendment rights are most vulnerable to this phenomenon because of the overwhelming emotion consuming those who advocate reading it into obscurity, including, most prominently, the press. That is why we, as gun rights advocates, also must be advocates of education beyond the kind dealing with a gun muzzle and where it should and should not be pointing.

Darren LaSorte lobbied with NRA-ILA for 14 years and now lives and works in Dallas. His passions are shooting, hunting and self-defense training.

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Building a ‘thriving civic data ecosystem’ in Boston – News@Northeastern

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Last month, about 20 researchers and community stakeholders convened at Northeastern to talk dataspecifically, newly published data from surveys with Boston residents on topics ranging from demographics to perceptions of community safety.

The Boston Area Research Initiative, or BARIwhich is based at Northeasterns School of Public Policy and Urban Affairsled the meeting, which was designed to demonstrate how community organizations can use a variety of online tools BARI has developed to learn more about the neighborhoods they serve and promote informed advocacy on their behalf.

We are focused on trying to build a thriving civic data ecosystem in Boston, said BARI co-director Daniel T. OBrien, assistant professor with joint appointments in the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs and the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern.

Launched in 2011, BARI is an interuniversity research partnership between Northeastern and Harvard University, in conjunction with the city of Boston. It focuses on spurring cutting-edge research in the Boston area that advances both scholarship and public policy.

One of BARIs primary projects is the Boston Data Portal, a National Science Foundation-funded infrastructure that harvests and publishes a variety of data related to Boston and its neighborhoodsfrom census and social media data, to city building records and 311 calls. The portal includes an interactive map that allows users to better understand the social dynamics across Bostons neighborhoods. For example, they can view and compare by neighborhood everything from the age of buildings to incidences of 311 and 911 reports.

The results of the Boston Neighborhood Survey from 2010 on topics such how residents perceive disorder and crime in their neighborhoods were recently added to the portals map, and at the meeting last month BARI program coordinator Samantha Levy showed participants how to access this data and compare it alongside other neighborhood dynamicssuch as the locations of schools and community centers.

We think the Boston Data Portal can be used for many different things, Levy said. There are a lot of data-related demands nowadays on nonprofits, and the portal is useful for nonprofits to learn more about the communities theyre serving to enhance their advocacy goals and evaluate their internal operations.

Few city-university collaborations have data infrastructure that is making research-quality data readily available to the public nor are they doing much to engage nonprofits and grassroots community groups, OBrien said. We saw major opportunities for researchers and policymakers to work together, he noted. Not only does BARI run community-based trainings, but the researchers like OBrien who are involved also use them as teaching tools in the classroom for their students.

OBrien explained that BARIs work and his Northeastern research are intertwined. In his research, which focuses primarily on Boston, he uses large, administrative data setsi.e., Big Datain conjunction with traditional methodologies to explore the behavioral and social dynamics of urban neighborhoods.

One particular area of focus is the broken windows theorythat acts of public disorder in neighborhoods lead to future crime. He just wrapped up a five-year research project studying custodianship, or how people take care of their neighborhoods.

In all these different things, he said, the common theme is they all leverage modern digital data to ask interesting questions with scholarly and practical implications.

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Building a 'thriving civic data ecosystem' in Boston - News@Northeastern

Cane toad mutations destroying our ecosystem – Ten Eyewitness News

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Feral species of cane toads could be turning even more deadly, due to their exposure to a common everyday weedkiller.

Scientists in Hungary have discovered that toad tadpoles which have come into contact with the globallyused weedkiller Glyphogan, produce much more of the toxic chemicals used to ward off predators.

The findings, published by The Royal Society on Wednesday, are particularly relevant to Australias cane toad population.

Scientists say they fear our cane toads could become even more toxic, due to the wide variety of habitats on offer, and the amount of pollutants and pesticides our cane toads are exposed to.

"Our results indicate that pesticide pollution might exacerbate the problem of invasive toxic species," author of the study Veronika Bokony said.

"For example, in Australia, the survival of native tadpoles is reduced by poisoning from ingestion of toxic cane toad eggs, and predators suffer drastic mortality due to ingesting or mouthing cane toads."

RoundUp - A common weedkiller used in Australia containing Glyphosate

The study involves testing the effects of the glyphosate-based weedkiller Glyphogan on a vast amount of common tadpoles in a laboratory and a pond at an experiment station near Budapest.

Results showed that all of the exposed tadpoles produced significantly more amounts of bufadienolides (the toxic steroids used by as toads, snakes, and certain plants) after being exposed to Glyphogan for between nine days and three weeks.

The developments spell bad news for our native ecosystems, with scientists opining that the more toxic toads become, the more their predators may switch to other prey.

Cane toads have already had a devastating effect on native animals since arriving on our shores in 1935 and spreading across the country.

The northern quoll populations were hit hardest by the toads arrival, and their poison has also taken down freshwater crocs, snakes and goannas.

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Shelburne awarded ecosystem restoration grant – Shelburne News

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Members of the project team worked to construct a rain garden on Brook Lane last August. Courtesy photo

The Town of Shelburne has been awarded a grant of $12,395 from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation to help fund stormwater system improvements on Brook Lane.

The grant will pay for the town to replace 260 feet of failing stormwater pipe with 260 feet of perforated pipe, stone lining, and two catch basins, according to Ann Janda, Shelburnes director of administration.

The storm drain culvert, which is failing, is located under the road and has been contributing to stormwater overflow issues in the whole Hullcrest Park area, creating safety hazards with water pooling up in ditches, she explained.

Shelburnes Stormwater branch of the Public Works Department worked on Brook Lane last summer in partnership with the Lewis Creek Association, to create a rain garden that would absorb excess water. But they could only concentrate their efforts on a portion of the Brook Lane storm water system.

At the time we wanted to do the whole project from curb to curb on Brook Lane, Janda said. But we did not get the grant we applied for then. This is our second attempt to find a grant that will support the funding.

The VDEC grant will cover half the cost of the project, the rest being paid for by the Town of Shelburne, Janda said. The Storm Water Department plans on using green techniques such as perforated pipe to fix the problems, and to reshape the ditches so that they will lie flatter and wont accumulate as much water. Janda said the nearby rain garden will also help to absorb water that would otherwise go into the ditches.

The Munroe Brook watershed where Brooke Lane is located covers a large swath of land in the center of Shelburne, from Rte. 7 to Dorset Street, and from the South Burlington Town Line to Irish Hill Road. The watershed is currently included in the Agency of Natural Resources Stormwater Imapaired List. Brook Lane is part of an older suburban neighborhood that is in need of stormwater retrofitting.

Ecosystem Restoration Grants such as this are made available to Vermont government entities, non-profit organizations, and citizen groups as part of the Ecosystem Restoration Programs on-going efforts to reduce surface water pollution from phosphorus and sediment. The grants support projects that improve stream stability, protect against flood hazards, improve in-stream and riparian habitat, lessen the effects of stormwater runoff, protect and restore riparian wetlands, re-establish lake shoreline native vegetation, and enhance the environmental and economic sustainability of agricultural lands.

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Cris Cyborg: Dana White said he made mistakes, maybe we can work together – Bloody Elbow

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It has been a tough road for Cris Cyborg heading into the UFC. The establishment of the womens featherweight division was a tug-o-war, and UFC president Dana White himself recently admitted that there were some mistakes committed on their part.

To be honest with you, we made some mistakes when it comes to Cyborg. So, the least we can do is get our sh-t together and get this woman a fight for the title, White said in a recent MMA Junkie interview.

With Whites admission, Cyborg is now led to believe that better things could be coming her way. On Mondays MMA Hour episode, she expressed her optimism in terms of being treated by the company.

"I hope its gonna change. The last interview, Dana White said he did a lot of mistakes with Cyborg, maybe we can work together, Cyborg said (via MMA Fighting). I love my job. If my boss and my company loves working with me, were gonna have a lot of success together.

"I accepted that. Let's see what's gonna happen after that. Let's see if not going to be just words, but if the practice in business is gonna change. We just have to work together. If you want to work together, for sure we can make a lot of money together.

But we need to work together. After this interview, I think he opened the door for getting better."

Cyborg is widely considered as the most dominant female fighter today, and believes that she could have been a big star like Ronda Rousey, if only she was given the same push.

"Imagine now if they used the same machine they used to build Ronda Rousey, imagine if these people did it with me. The same people that watched Gina Carano against Cyborg, the same people watched my last fight. We made the same number, Cyborg said.

"Imagine if they build my like they did to Ronda Rousey, if I fought Holly Holm the same night Ronda Rousey fought Cat Zingano. If Ronda doesn't want to fight me, protect her, thats fine, you build two stars. It would be amazing. Big stars is good for them. More stars, more money for them."

Cyborg finally gets her due title fight at 145 pounds as she faces Tonya Evinger at UFC 214 on July 29th in Anaheim, California.

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Cris Cyborg: Dana White said he made mistakes, maybe we can work together - Bloody Elbow

Cris Cyborg down for Holly Holm title fight with championship win at UFC 214 – MMAmania.com

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Cris Cyborg will finally get the opportunity to win Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) gold as she is lined up to face Tonya Evinger for the vacant Featherweight title at the upcoming UFC 214 pay-per-view (PPV) event in Anaheim, Calif., on July 29, 2017 (see how that bout came to be here and here).

And even though she isnt overlooking her late replacement, Cyborg has been met with questions about the possibility of facing former UFC womens Bantamweight champion Holly Holm as a potential first title defense. During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, the fearsome striker answered the question with a profound, Yes.

According to Cyborg, its a fight she has wanted for quite some time:

I had already accepted to fight Holly when Ronda fought Cat Zingano. I accepted to fight her in Curitiba at 140 (pounds). I accepted to fight her in Brasilia for the main event. I asked for her before she fight Bethe Correia, and then when Megan Anderson pulled out, I felt it was good opportunity to fight her. I think a fight with her will be great for all of the fans. Shes already fought at 145 with de Randamie, they say she lost, [but] she won. If this makes opportunity for her to fight with me I dont know. She just won against Bethe Correia and I think she is the biggest name for the next fight and I think she is a great fighter. I think it will be really nice.

Holm recently got back on the winning track following a three-fight skid, knocking out Bethe Correia in the main event of UFC Fight Night 111 a few weeks ago (relive it here). Of course, that fight was contested at 135 pounds, but The Preachers Daughter is open to fighting at 145 pounds if it means she gets another crack at the title after coming up short against Germaine de Randamie at UFC 208 earlier this year.

And since UFCs female Featherweight division doesnt exactly have a full roster just yet, dont be surprised to see Holm back at the big dance possibly against Cyborg -- sooner rather than later.

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5 Madison beaches close Wednesday due to blue-green algae – Madison.com

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Four beaches on Lake Monona and Tenney Beach on Lake Mendota were closed Wednesday because clouds of blue-green algae have left water unsafe for swimming.

The beaches closed on Lake Monona are BB Clarke, Olbrich, Hudson and Olin.

Jennifer Lavender Braun, a microbiologist with Public Health Madison and Dane County, said the toxic algaes persistence is similar to what she has been seeing all summer.

The week of June 16 saw the worst outbreak of algal blooms in decades, said Jake Vander Zanden, an aquatic biologist at the UW Center for Limnology, and Stephen Carpenter, limnology center director.

Braun said several days of rain which had persisted through the end of June can cause the algae to develop, and subsequent sunshine can allow it to thrive.

With all the rain weve had, that gets the nutrients in the water, Braun said. But the last couple of days with heat and sun creates conditions where algae takes over.

Braun said that although rain is what brings algae to the lakes in the first place, a good rain can also help the algae dissipate.

Despite the beach closures, there are still options for swimmers, she said. Several beaches, especially around Lake Mendota, remain open. Governor Nelson State Park, James Madison, Marshall, Memorial Union and Warner beaches are safe for swimming.

Public Health will be checking the beaches with blue-green algae every day for the rest of the week.

Blue-green algae can cause upset stomach, rashes and respiratory infection.

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5 Madison beaches close Wednesday due to blue-green algae - Madison.com

Beaches Near Orlando Florida: Top 8 Closest Beaches

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By Lauren Tjaden

No visit toOrlandois complete without a trip to the seashore. And, fortunately, great beaches on the Atlantic are only about an hour away from the City Beautiful.They possess distinctly different personalities, so whatever your mood, youre sure to find a beach that's perfect foryou.

Beaches are listed from north to south.

Ponce Inlet, just a few waves south of Daytona beach, boasts a sweet little park, a great beach and the tallest lighthouse in Florida.

- Lauren Tjaden for VISIT FLORIDA

This spirited city is famed for cars, racing, arts, culture and heritage. Tradition demands you roll down your car windows and cruise the hard-packed sands of its beach.

But you can do it all in Daytona: enjoy watersports, motorcycle racing, kart racing, deep sea fishing and golfing, plus world-class dining and shopping.

Make sure to investigate its legendary pier, and dont forget to zoom over to Daytona International Speedway. If you want to spend a night or two at the beach, this destination is ideal because it offers an abundance of accommodations right on the Atlantic.

(58 minutes / 53.81 miles from Orlando)

Ponce Inlet features a wide beach, thick with sand you can drive on, watersports that include parasailing, jet skiing, fishing and renting a speedboat, and even a handsome lighthouse Floridas tallest that challenges you to climb it.

If you have an aversion to high rises and crowds but love adventure, nature and awe-inspiring beauty, this getaway beach near Orlando is for you.

(1 hour 8 minutes / 61.60 miles from Orlando)

The very definition of a perfect day trip from Orlando, this charming enclave is renowned for its surfing, but thats just the tip of the sandbar.

You can cruise its hard-packed sand in your car until you find the perfect spot for your beach towel.

Enjoy an array of watersports or fabulous fishing, or just kick back by the waves. Save some energy to discover its quirky shops and vibrant arts community. And dont miss digging into a generous burger or fresh seafood at Breakers, an open-air restaurant located smack-dab on the beach.

(1 hour 3 minutes / 55.66 miles from Orlando)

Cocoa Beach is the perfect place to learn to surf.

- Lauren Tjaden for VISIT FLORIDA

Picture impressive dunes giving way to vast sweeps of empty sand, the music of the surf and wind and nothing more, and youll have Canaveral National Seashore about right.

This utterly tranquil escape boasts the longest expanse of pristine shore in Florida. Fish, swim, go hiking, or just unwind on the beach. Make sure to bring snacks, bottled water, sunscreen and insect repellent since you wont find them in the park.

(1 hour 15 minutes / 64.55 miles to north entrance from Orlando)

For the quintessential Florida beach experience, escape to popular Cocoa Beach. Make sure to explore its 800-foot pier, a historical landmark boasting five restaurants, four bars, gift shops, fishing, and free live musical entertainment.

Indulge in parasailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, or learn to surf on its gentle waves. Save time to discover the Ron Jon Surf Shop. Its the world's largest surf shop, encompassing 52,000 square feet chock-full of beach gear.

(1 hour 9 minutes / 59.57 miles from Orlando)

The small towns of Satellite Beach, Melbourne Beach and Indialantic feel like old-time Florida, devoid of crowds, T-shirt shops and pretention.

Nestled between the Banana River, the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic, these Space Coast destinations are brimming with nature, water sports and outdoor recreation of all kinds, never mind generous, mostly-empty beaches rich with cinnamon-hued sand.

A turtle-walk with the Sea Turtle Preservation Society is a not-to-be-missed treat.

(1 hour 13 minutes / 67.35 miles; 1 hour 21 minutes / 74.11 miles; and 1 hour 25 minutes / 75.96 miles from Orlando, respectively)

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Beaches Near Orlando Florida: Top 8 Closest Beaches