UN accuses Saudi Arabia of using anti-terror laws to justify torture

Saudi Arabia is systematically using anti-terror laws to justify torture, suppress all dissent and imprison human rights defenders, the UN has concluded following a five-day official inspection of the country at the invitation of the government.

The report presents a damning assessment of Saudi’s human rights record, and is made more powerful by the fact that it is the product of an official Saudi invitation.

https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/06/un-accuses-saudi-arabia-of-using-anti-terror-laws-to-justify-torture?

In polluted India, engineers find novel way to fight diesel exhaust

(Reuters) - India has some of the worst air pollution in the world and smog levels often spike during its sweltering summers, when smoke-belching diesel generators are used to offset power shortages, as air-conditioners and fans stoke consumption.

But a team of Indian engineers has figured out how to capture some of the generator exhaust and turn it into ink, keeping the emissions from entering the atmosphere.

https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKCN1J20I7?

Democrats seem poised to field at least one 2020 candidate from the business world

It's not just Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz — as things stand today, the Democratic Party's 2020 presidential primary field could shape up to be heavy on business leaders.

Schultz, who announced his retirement from Starbucks this week, somehow wasn't resigning under pressure after unflattering publicity due to the treatment of blacks in his company's coffee shops, which he was quick to blame on other people.

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/democrats-seem-poised-to-field-at-least-one-2020-candidate-from-the-business-world?

10 Companies Leaving Iran As Trump's Sanctions Close In

Immediately after Trump’s announcement, European leaders came out against America’s unilateral actions and encouraged European businesses to continue to do business with Iran as long as Iran continues to apparently adhere to the terms of the JCPOA (nuclear deal). India, a major importer of Iranian oil, declared that it “follows only U.N. sanctions, and not unilateral sanctions by any country.”

Despite the statements from European and Asian leaders in support of Iran, it seems that America’s economic weight is too great to ignore. Businesses of all types, ranging from insurance companies to car manufacturers to shipping companies are now announcing that they will cease business with Iran or in Iran because of U.S. sanctions.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ellenrwald/2018/06/06/10-companies-leaving-iran-as-trumps-sanctions-close-in/amp/?

Subject: [WH Pool] [WHCA Print] [WHCA Pool] Pool report #13: Iftar statement

poolreports

A minute ago

From: Vivian Salama <xxx@wsj.com>

Sent: Wednesday, June 6, 2018 4:57 PM

Subject: [WH Pool] [WHCA Print] [WHCA Pool] Pool report #13: Iftar statement

below is a statement from the White House about tonights iftar. Note, Ive been informed that we will NOT receive a list of the iftar attendees as is protocol for East Room events. (the name of the Imam leading the iftar prayer is included below)

_______

Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan and is often done as a community, with people gathering to break their fast together. Today at 8 p.m., President Trump will host an Iftar dinner in the State Dining Room at the White House for the Washington Diplomatic Community.

Below is the name of the Imam who will be leading the call to prayer in the East Room tonight.

Dawud Abdul-Aziz Agbere

Lieutenant Colonel, US Army

Chaplain Corps

Lindsay E. Walters

White House Deputy Press Secretary

202-xxx-xxxx (c)

202-xxx-xxxx (w)

@Lwalters45

–

-

Vivian Salama

White House Reporter

The Wall Street Journal

m: +202-xxx-xxxx

xxx@wsj.com

Trump's consumer financial chief disbands key advisory boards

Mick Mulvaney, the interim head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, has disbanded three boards whose members include consumer advocacy groups and which advise on policy at the financial watchdog, board members said on Wednesday.

The decision to dismantle the boards was communicated to members via an email and conference call on Wednesday, the members said. It drew sharp criticism from board members, who said the change would shut out those who are familiar with the problems faced by ordinary Americans.

https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKCN1J22PN?