ΗΟΝG KONG MEANS BUSINESS

18 APRIL 2018



MARKET SPOTLIGHT

Streamlining Access

New data connection launched between China and Nepal forms the backbone of the Belt and Road Initiative's high-speed information network.

Faster, more reliable and cheaper Internet access is expected to be the first tangible sign of enhanced Sino-Nepali cooperation, as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. More



FIRST PERSON

Flying High
Demand for helicopter leasing has jumped significantly in Asia, where Waypoint Leasing expects continued strong growth from its Hong Kong regional base.

INSIDE CHINA

Bespoke Travel


Sophisticated Chinese mainland holidaymakers are increasingly opting for customised luxury breaks.

HEADS-UP

Hong Kong International Home Textiles and Furnishings Fair


Don’t miss the region’s leading fair for the home textiles industry, happening in Hong Kong.

VENTURE HONG KONG

Best Foot Forward

As a city of walkers, Hong Kong proved the ideal base for Footlab to expand its customised insole business.

LIFE & STYLE

Greener Pastures in Hong Kong


The growing trend towards greener living in Hong Kong will see the city host its first Conscious Festival in April.




UPCOMING EVENTS



25 April
New Marketing Trends Workshop on "Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to...


27-30 April
HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair 2018

27-30 April
HK Int'l Printing & Packaging Fair 2018

FIND AN EVENT




MULTIMEDIA



SEE THIS

Franchising Show: Perfect Place for Opportunities



HEAR THIS
Launching International Brands in Asia-Pacific Markets

MORE MULTIMEDIA

RESEARCH

China’s Packaged Food Market: Defining Characteristics (Part 2)


U.S. Announces List of Mainland Chinese Products that Would Face Additional...

Hong Kong and Macau Workers Granted Semi-Local Status in Qianhai

MORE RESEARCH

ΤΗΕ WHITE HOUSE's latest

The White House • April 18, 2018 Statement on Barbara Bush Former First Lady Barbara Bush passed away yesterday in Houston, Texas. She was 92. Along with Abigail Adams, Mrs. Bush is one of only two First Ladies in American history to see a child follow her husband to the U.S. Presidency. The White House released this statement last night: President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump join the Nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush. As a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, Mrs. Bush was an advocate of the American family. Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection. She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well. The President and First Lady’s thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mrs. Bush. The U.S. flag will fly at half-staff until sunset of the day that Mrs. Bush is laid to rest. Read statements from the Vice President and Karen Pence and from First Lady Melania Trump. A close, personal bond Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe joined President Trump in Florida yesterday. “Shinzo and I have developed a very close relationship,” the President said. “We speak all the time. And our nations, I think, have never been closer than they are right now.” Abe praised the President’s handling of North Korea. “For the first time in the history of the world, there will be this summit meeting between the United States and North Korea,” the Prime Minister said. “Donald, you’ve demonstrated your unwavering determination in addressing the challenge of North Korea. And I’d like to take this opportunity to express and pay my tribute to your leadership.” The two leaders also discussed better trade deals. Since President Trump took office, America and Japan have negotiated a series of mutually beneficial deals. Through investment, hiring, and workforce development, Japanese companies support more than 850,000 American jobs. Major Japanese companies such as Toyota and Honda have also invested billions into U.S. factories. Read more about the cherished friendship between the U.S. and Japan. (SHARE THIS) Watch: President Trump’s friendship walk with Prime Minister Abe. Photo of the Day Remembering First Lady Barbara Bush, June 8, 1925 - April 17, 2018   The White House • April 17, 2018 Driving the Day President Donald J. Trump will host Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Florida today. The President has a strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Abe, and two topics will lead the discussion: preparation for U.S. talks with North Korea and America’s recent moves to fix trade deals. 5 ways the new tax code will be better Today is the deadline to file 2017 Federal income taxes. It also marks the last time that taxpayers will have to deal with America’s old, broken tax code. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that President Trump signed in December, hardworking Americans will keep more of what they earn in 2018 and beyond. Five big changes stand out: 1) Lower tax rates for Americans across the board; 2) a nearly doubled standard deduction; 3) a doubled child tax credit to help families, along with better saving options for education; 4) a simpler process to make filing taxes less of a headache; and 5) relief from the Affordable Care Act’s ineffective mandate. On the business side, tax reform is unleashing growth. Small business confidence surged to a record high following the passage of tax cuts, and it remains at historically high levels. Employers are ready to expand—good news for workers as the unemployment rate remains at a 17-year low of 4.1 percent. President Trump’s tax cuts are generating greater economic opportunity for all. (SHARE THIS) Watch: The President talks tax cuts with Hispanic-American business leaders in Florida Restoring America’s legacy in space Space exploration “is essential to the very character of America," Vice President Mike Pence told leaders at the 34th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs yesterday. “President Trump has been working to keep his promise to restore America’s proud legacy of leadership in space.” Space exploration is crucial for both national security and national prosperity, the Vice President said. He also announced the next chapter for America in space. The National Space Council, which the Vice President chairs, has developed the first thorough space traffic management policy. It will address a congested space environment of more than 1,500 active satellites—and thousands more inactive ones and spacecraft fragments. “A stable and orderly space environment is critical,” Vice President Pence said. Watch the Vice President’s space announcement on Twitter. Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks First Lady Melania Trump visits the “Prescribed to Death” opioid memorial

U.S.A.'s latest

Απρ 16 τις 7:01 μ.μ.


The White House • April 16, 2018
Driving the Day

• President Donald J. Trump will meet with Hispanic-American business leaders in Florida today to discuss the effects of tax cuts on their companies. Watch live at 12:40 PM ET.

• Vice President Mike Pence will address the 34th Space Symposium in Colorado. The Vice President chairs the White House’s National Space Council. Watch live at 1:55 PM ET.

• In his weekly address, President Trump tells Americans that unfair trade deals have “financed the rise of other countries at the expense of our own middle class.” Watch here.

America and its allies respond in Syria

Devastating images from Syria reveal the unique and gruesome danger of chemical weapons. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s April 7 attack on innocent civilians violated international law, the Chemical Weapons Convention, and several United Nations Security Council Resolutions. He must be held accountable.

On Friday, the United States and its allies responded. President Trump ordered U.S. Armed Forces to launch precision strikes on targets associated with Syrian chemical weapons capabilities. He thanked Britain and France for joining America in the operation, using their “righteous power against barbarism and brutality.”

The strikes were legitimate, proportionate, and justified. Most important, they were necessary. Even small amounts of chemical weapons can unleash widespread destruction. To prevent their spread, everyone must understand that the costs of using chemical weapons will always outweigh any military or political benefits.

See more: President Trump takes action to end Syria’s chemical weapons attacks

Vice President Pence in South America

On Friday, Vice President Pence traveled to Lima, Peru, to represent the United States at the opening ceremony of the Summit of the Americas. “Ours was always meant to be a hemisphere of freedom,” he told the Summit.

It was also opportunity to show where America stands. Vice President Pence held bilateral meetings with key U.S. allies, including the leaders of Colombia, Chile, Canada, and Mexico. He also met with Venezuelan opposition leaders, telling them “the simple truth is that Nicolas Maduro has turned Venezuela democracy into dictatorship.”

Read Vice President Pence’s message to Venezuela’s opposition leaders.

More: Watch highlights from the Vice President’s trip.

Photo of the Day

Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian

President Donald J. Trump announces the coordinated attacked by the armed forces of the United States, France, and the United Kingdom against the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad in response to the recent chemical attack against Syrian civilians by the Assad regime.

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Vitakraft Sun Seed Recalls of Sunseed Vita Prima Sugar Glider Food Due to Possible SalmonellaHealth Risk

U.S.A.'s interesting latest

Thank you for your patience while we work toward the development of new Job Alerts. We have developed a temporary solution that will allow you to pull up current job opportunities for the area(s) that you have subscribed. Clicking on the link below will take you to the current postings for GSA that are Open to the Public (All U.S. Citizens). GSA All Public Vacancies Thank you for your patience while we work toward the development of new Job Alerts. We have developed a temporary solution that will allow you to pull up current job opportunities for the area(s) that you have subscribed. Clicking on the link below will take you to the current postings for GSA open to Federal Employees and Special Appointment Eligibles. GSA All Status Vacancies   REAL NEWS PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN'T WANT YOU TO MISS Trump Says Tax Cuts Allow Workers to Pocket More - Fox Business On Thursday, President Donald J. Trump announced new survey results showing that optimism among U.S. manufacturers has reached unprecedented levels. “Optimism among small manufacturers was at its highest level ever recorded throughout the survey’s 20 year history,” Brittany De Lea reports.

U.S.A.'s interesting news

The White House • April 13, 2018
Driving the Day

Vice President Mike Pence departed Washington, D.C., this morning to represent the United States at the Opening Ceremony of the eighth Summit of the Americas in Peru. Before the summit, the Vice President will meet with Venezuelan opposition leaders at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador in Peru.

Mike Pompeo is the top diplomat America needs

CIA Director Mike Pompeo believes that leadership is about results. And for the past 14 months, those results have been exemplary. From pressuring North Korea to dismantling ISIS, some of the Trump Administration’s biggest foreign policy accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible without CIA support under the watch of Director Pompeo.

Pompeo’s successes come from proven experience. He has been privy to some of America’s toughest national security challenges since 2010, when he served on the House Intelligence Committee as a freshman member of Congress. He’s had stints as a U.S. Cavalry officer, an entrepreneur, an executive—even as Editor of Harvard Law Review.

His storied career adds up to one certainty: Mike Pompeo will be ready to lead the State Department on day one. With the grave threats facing our country, America needs him as our next Secretary of State.

More: Why Mike Pompeo is the leader America needs as its top diplomat

Tax cuts are energizing employers of all sizes

President Trump shared big news from the Rose Garden yesterday. Optimism among American manufacturers has reached unprecedented levels, according to a new survey from a leading industry group. Manufacturer optimism stood at 93.5 percent, the second highest reading in the survey’s history.

Even better news is what that means for workers. The same survey showed that manufacturers anticipate wages will grow at the fastest pace in 17 years. “All you used to hear is that we’re losing our manufacturing jobs; jobs are being taken out of the country,” President Trump said yesterday. “They’re coming back and they’re coming back fast.”

Other major reports tell the same story. Small businesses across sectors are worrying less about taxes and are investing more in their workers, according to a National Federation of Independent Businesses survey last month. And Ernst & Young reports that 89 percent of executives say their companies plan to increase worker compensation as a result of tax cuts.

See how President Trump’s tax cuts are energizing American employers of all sizes.


Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks on Tax Reform to American Workers

RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT latest

Government report on its performance in 2012–2017
11 April 2018 11:45 State Duma of the Federal Assembly, Moscow


“The Government of the Russian Federation <…> shall submit to the State Duma annual reports on the Government’s performance, including on issues formulated by the State Duma.” (Constitution of the Russian Federation, Article 114, Clause 1, Subclause “a”).

Excerpts from the transcript:





Government report on its performance in 2012-2017

Dmitry Medvedev: This year, the head of the country’s executive authority is addressing parliament for the tenth time. I think the tradition of presenting a report at the State Duma, which began in 2008, helps the Government to more accurately assess its results, better plan its next steps and, of course, clarifies the Government’s view on many aspects of life in the country.

This report increases the effectiveness of our cooperation. I have every reason to say this, as the Prime Minister of the longest serving Government in the history of modern Russia. The Government and members of the State Duma’s sixth and seventh convocations have handled the most complicated tasks concerning the country’s development, and have found the best possible solutions to the most challenging situations. And there have been so many challenges. Over the past six years, more than 1,500 Government initiatives have come into force as laws.

Retrospective
Government report on its performance in 2016, 19 April 2017
Government report on its performance in 2015, 19 April 2016
Government report on its performance in 2014, 21 April 2015
Government report on its performance in 2013, 22 April 2014
Government report on its performance in 2012, 17 April 2013

The Government report is usually a summary of the previous year’s activity. But since this is a special report, I think it would be insufficient to speak only about the last year. Russia has elected the President. After the inauguration on May 7, the Government will be dissolved as stipulated by the Constitution. Therefore, it is the last report of the Government in its current composition. I think it is important to review the entire six years and the results of our performance, as they were.

RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT DECISIONS latest

Dmitry Medvedev meets with BIE management
5 April 2018 12:00 Government House, Moscow


Yekaterinburg bids to host Expo 2025.

Excerpts from the transcript:





Meeting with the management of the Bureau International des Expositions

Dmitry Medvedev: You have come to Russia due to Yekaterinburg’s bid to host World Expo 2025. Our government pays special attention to his issue. I would like to thank you for examining our bid so carefully. This is not the first time we have submitted a bid. However, there have been changes to Yekaterinburg’s application compared with the last time: the characteristics of the venue have changed, and there are some additional capacities. I hope Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich, who is responsible for this project, ministers and the regional administration have managed to show them all.

We reaffirm our commitment to deliver on all the obligations of the host city according to the rules and guarantee everything fixed in the documents I have signed.

Jai-chul Choi (Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), via interpreter): The goal of the inspection is to examine the project Russia has presented in Yekaterinburg. The commission held several working meetings with your team, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Industry Minister. The preliminary results are very positive. We will present the information to the committee’s session to be held on 4 May, and then the BIE Executive Committee’s report will be presented to the General Assembly, whose meeting is scheduled for 4 June. The final voting will be held at the General Assembly in November. So far, we are happy to assure you of our political support.

Construction of the North Pole ice-resistant self-propelled platform
7 April 2018 07:00


The state programme Socioeconomic Development of the Russian Arctic Zone envisions the design and construction of the North Pole ice-resistant self-propelled platform, a floating observatory for environmental research and monitoring, to ensure continuous, comprehensive research in the high latitudes of the Arctic Ocean. The platform is to be put into operation in 2020. The signed documents approve the decision on 2018-2020 budget allocations for design and construction of the platform in the amount of 6,966.6 million roubles. Admiralty Shipyards has been designated as the contractor that will design and build the platform.

Reference

Submitted by the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources.

The Foundations of the State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic to 2020 and Beyond, the Maritime Doctrine of the Russian Federation and the Strategy for the Development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation outline the areas of focus and priorities of Arctic development, including information support to address economic, defence and geopolitical tasks in the Arctic, which requires an increased volume of operational and monitoring data on the condition of the Arctic Ocean.

To support and expand comprehensive scientific research in the high latitudes of the Arctic Ocean, the state programme Socioeconomic Development of the Russian Arctic Zone (approved by the Government Resolution No. 1064 of 31 August 2017, hereinafter referred to as the state programme) envisions the design and construction of the North Pole ice-resistant self-propelled platform (hereinafter – platform), a floating observatory for environmental research and monitoring in the high latitudes of the Arctic Ocean which will accommodate modern laboratory complexes. The launch date for the platform is 2020.

Resolution No. 355 provides for 2018-2020 budget investments in the design and construction of the platform. In accordance with the state programme, budget funds for the design and construction of the platform will total 6,966.6 million roubles (363 million roubles in 2018, 4,325.6 million roubles in 2019, 2,278 million roubles in 2020 году).

Resolution No. 545-r designates Admiralty Shipyards as the contractor to design and build the platform.

Admiralty Shipyards is a key enterprise of the Russian shipbuilding industry. A member of the northwestern shipbuilding cluster, Admiralty has built over 3,000 ships and vessels, including research vessels, icebreakers, tankers, ocean rescue vessels, and submersibles. Its facilities comprise five building berths and a floating dry dock, allowing it to build modern vessels with a deadweight up to 80,000 tonnes.

The purpose of the North Pole Platform is to enhance Russia’s presence in the Arctic and its position as the global leader of polar science, as well as to expand the scope of Artic research.

THE WHITE HOUSE latest

Remarks by President Trump on the Infrastructure Initiative

INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNOLOGY

Issued on: March 30, 2018

Local 18 Richfield Training Site
Richfield, Ohio

2:07 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: What a group. Remember, you can’t win unless you win the state of Ohio. Right? You can’t. (Applause.) And I’m thrilled to be back in Ohio. And I’m proud to be here with the incredible carpenters, laborers, all of the members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18. I appreciate all of you. Your support has been amazing. Your support has been so great, right from the beginning. (Applause.) And each of you is living proof that American workers are truly the best in the world. Right? The best. (Applause.)

Rick Dalton and Mike Totman, thank you very much for hosting us. Where are you guys? Where are they? Where are you? Thank you, fellas. Nice-looking guys. Nice-looking guys. (Applause.)

We’re also pleased to be joined by two members of my Cabinet: Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta. (Applause.) They’ve done a fantastic job.

We’re especially happy to have some of our great Ohio leaders with us today: Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor — Mary — (applause) — State Auditor Dave Yost — (applause) — thank you — Congressmen Bob Gibbs, Bill Johnson, and Jim Renacci. Good. Great people. (Applause.) Thank you. Good. Great people. They’re tough congressmen, I will tell you that. But they’re for the workers. Right? They’re for the workers. They’re for the country. I can tell you that. They are for the country.

Joined by our friends here in Ohio, my administration is fighting every day to protect, and defend, and grow American jobs. And you see what’s happening all over the country. It’s in Ohio, but it’s all over the country — pouring back plants and factories, pouring back into our country. They can’t come back fast enough.

Even if you look — Apple, going to invest $350 billion. When I heard $350 billion, I said, “You must mean $350 million.” That’s still a big plant. But they’re going to be investing $350 billion. So many others coming back with massive amounts of money. They all want to be back in the USA. A lot of them left; they’re coming back. We’ve eliminated a record number of job-killing regulations. That’s one of the reasons they’re coming back. Right? (Applause.)

And we’re not finished yet. In some cases, you have statutory limitations where you have to go 30 days and wait, and then you have to go 90 days and wait, and then you have to go 15 days and wait, and then you go 90 days again. And then you know what happens? We kill the regulation. And it’s a thing of beauty. And we have filled out every form, every legal application.

U.S.A.:Job Openings with the National Park Service

Do You Want to Work at a National Park?

Spring brings warmer weather and with it, more time outdoors. If you're looking for a job away from a traditional office or focusing on the environment, working for the National Park Servicecould be for you. Positions are available across many subject areas, such as park guides and rangers, procurement analysts, or ecologists!

U.S.A.'s interesting latest

A vote to fund our troops  In the coming 36 hours, members of both houses of Congress will vote on an “omnibus” spending bill to keep our Federal government open. Omnibus bills cover a broad range of priorities, eliminating the need for many separate votes. President Donald J. Trump supports the deal crafted by leaders on Capitol Hill and urges its swift passage. “The President had a discussion with Speaker Ryan and Leader McConnell, where they talked about their shared priorities secured in the omnibus spending bill,” Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said yesterday. “The President and the leaders discussed their support for the bill.” This bill addresses many important needs, including: The largest pay raise for American troops in a decade More than 100 miles of new construction for the border wall Key priorities here at home, such as combatting the opioid crisis and rebuilding infrastructure Go deeper: How President Trump is rebuilding American strength Ending online sex trafficking  Yesterday, the U.S. Senate followed the House of Representatives in passing the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, meaning the bill will soon come to President Trump’s desk for signing. The President applauds the bipartisan proposal, which passed yesterday with a 97-2 vote. “This bipartisan piece of legislation takes an important step forward in fighting the despicable act of human trafficking,” Press Secretary Sanders said yesterday. “The legislation empowers Federal, State, and local prosecutors to hold websites accountable for supporting the sale of sex trafficking victims.” This legislation builds on the Administration’s far-reaching work during its first year to end modern slavery in all its forms. Ivanka Trump in particular has been a leader in that fight, hosting a White House discussion last week to lend her support to the bill. Read the White House’s full statement on this effort to fight online sex trafficking. President Trump meets with the Crown Prince  As the United States continues to face threats from Iran and other sponsors of terror in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia remains one of America’s staunchest allies. This week, President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Washington. President Trump and the Crown Prince discussed joint efforts to finalize new commercial deals that would support more than 120,000 American jobs. The Crown Prince also thanked the President for American leadership in defeating ISIS and countering Iran’s destructive actions across the Middle East. The Administration is committed to a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia for years to come. President Trump said he looks forward to the visit of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to the United States later this year. Watch: President Trump meets with the Crown Prince in the Oval Office PHOTO OF THE DAY The White House Rose Garden | March 21, 2018 (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead) POTUS TODAY Today, President Trump will sign a Presidential Memorandum targeting China’s economic aggression before participating in a panel discussion at the Generation Next Summit. This afternoon, Vice President Pence will travel to Manchester, New Hampshire, to deliver keynote remarks at an America First Policies “Tax Cuts to Put America First” event. This evening, the President and First Lady will host the Greek Independence Day Celebration. ==================================== WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today launched a pilot to test a redesigned processing times webpage that displays the data for all forms in an easier-to-read format and also tests a new way of collecting data and calculating the processing times for some forms.

U.S.A.'s interesting latest news

What’s troubling New Hampshire  New Hampshire has had the second highest rate of opioid-involved overdose deaths in the Nation since 2014. A poll conducted last year found that drugs were the biggest problem facing the Granite State—the first time in the poll’s history that a majority named any single issue as the most important. Today, President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump travel to Manchester, New Hampshire. The President will address America’s opioid epidemic at Manchester Community College and discuss his Administration’s initiative to stop opioid abuse and reduce drug supply and demand, which has four components: 1. Address the driving forces of the opioid crisis, including over-prescription, illicit drug supplies, and insufficient access to evidence-based treatment. 2. Reduce demand and over-prescription in part by educating Americans about the dangers of opioid and other drug use. 3. Cut off the supply of illicit drugs by cracking down on international and domestic supply chains that devastate American communities. 4. Help those struggling with addiction through evidence-based treatment and recovery support services. Watch live as the President addresses the opioid crisis at 2:40 p.m. ET today. Learn more: How America will win the war on opioid addiction New frontiers  Last week, President Trump took time during a cross-country trip to the U.S.-Mexico border to address military service members at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California. The President touched on many themes, including thanking our hardworking military men and women for their service and dedication to the cause. He also charted a path forward, echoing themes from his National Space Council—a group chaired by Vice President Mike Pence that the President resurrected after a 24-year hiatus. “From the very beginning, many of our astronauts have been soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen and Marines,” the President said. “We're going to lead the way in space.” Watch President Trump’s speech to service members at Miramar. Infrastructure: The Federal role  The Federal Government provides important infrastructure funding, but it often does so inefficiently and with numerous restrictions. Washington depends on taxpayers at the state and local level, yet Federal funding is too often directed by priorities of those inside the Beltway. President Trump proposes to fix this problem by maintaining the traditional balance of Federal and non-Federal funding, while investing in a way that stretches every dollar and delivers on local needs. His proposal will keep existing Federal funding in place, including for the Highway Trust Fund. The President’s plan would improve on existing policy by directing half of Federal funds to an Incentives Program for State and local applicants. This system keeps infrastructure decisions out of the D.C. bureaucracy and in State and local hands. Learn more: What you need to know about infrastructure funding PHOTO OF THE DAY President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Leo Varadkar of Ireland | March 15, 2018 (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead) POTUS TODAY This morning, after receiving his daily intelligence briefing, President Trump will travel to Manchester Community College to deliver remarks on combatting the opioid crisis. River Valley Sprouts Recalls Alfalfa Sprouts and Garlic Alfalfa Sprouts Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination River Valley Sprouts is voluntarily recalling its 5 ounce Alfalfa Sprouts, 4 ounce Alfalfa Sprouts, 5 ounce Garlic/Alfalfa and 5 ounce Variety sprouts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illness such as arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.