US hails progress at North Korea talks

Some definite progress but still no confirmation of the summit.

Two days of meetings in New York between the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and North Korean's Kim Yong Chol have ended with a note of optimism.

And the two men appear to have mended relations after President Trump cancelled the summit with North Korea's leader planned for June 12th in Singapore.

Nick Harper reports from New York.

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A sit down to salvage the Summit.
This was the most high profile meeting between US and North Korean officials, on American soil, in almost two decades.
TAKE VO
Afterwards US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said things were "moving in the right direction", and appeared optimistic about the future.

SOT - Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State
"Through this series of meetings I'm confident we're moving in the right direction. Today Vice Chairman Kim and I discussed our countries could come together for this unique opportunity, that our two leaders have created through their visions of the future they have so clearly articulated."

TAKE VO
It comes after two days of negotiations in New York. A dinner of steak, corn and cheese on Wednesday. Before a morning of meetings on Thursday.

TAKE VO
Now the North Korean delegation head to Washington, carrying an important document for the US president Donald Trump.

SOT - Donald Trump, US President: I believe they'll be coming down to Washington on Friday, and a letter is going to be delivered to me from Kim Jong Un. So, I look forward to seeing what's in the letter, but it's very important to them. So, they'll be probably coming down to Washington, D.C., on Friday."

TAKE VO
But still no word if and when the planned summit for June 12th will happen.
Indeed when asked when we might hear if the summit is back on, Pompeo candidly and simply said 'I don't know'. Progress has been made but there's still much to be worked out before the American and North Korean leaders sit down to talk.

SOC
ENDS

Coding academies thrive in U.S. market

It’s a trend that’s not slowing down: going to a “coding boot camp” in order to land a job in technology.
Industry statistics show 22-thousand people graduated from these 3-7 month computer programming courses in the U.S. in 2017 — and that number is expected to grow this year. 

US Correspondent Mary MacCarthy reports:

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VO1: Emily Freeman says going to computer coding school was the best decision she ever made.

Soundbite - Emily Freeman, Coding academy graduate
“I have a Bachelor’s degree in political science. I would happily trade that for my code school certificate.”

VO2: Freeman was a freelance writer and a new mom when she decided she wanted a career change.

VO3: So she moved across the U.S. to enroll in a coding academy in Denver, called the Turing School.

Soundbite - Emily Freeman, Coding academy graduate
“I personally doubled my salary, after I went to code school. So it’s absolutely a great investment in yourself.”

VO4: The schools are not cheap… Tuition is generally between 15 and 30-thousand dollars, for progams lasting between 3 and 7 months.

VO5: But with most graduates landing well-paid jobs immediately, the schools argue the tuition is a wise investment.

Bruce Batky, Founder of Skill Distillery
“The projections are that there are shortages of up to anywhere from a few hundred to over 500-thousand developers short, for programmers,  in the marketplace. So there’s extremely high demand.”

VO6: Brucy Batky founded a coding school in Denver called Skill Distillery.
VO7: He was already running similar programs in-house for large companies that wanted to train their own employees. 

Bruce Batky, Founder of Skill Distillery
“Companies were having a hard time finding skilled programmers. So what they would do is hire employers who were close in the skill set. We would do custom programs on site to fill that gap.  It was kind of a miniature boot camp on site at a corporation - we took that and brought it to the public.”
V08: Skill Distillery and Turing, the school that Emily Freeman attended,  are two of SEVEN coding academies in the Denver region… 

VO9: And nationwide there are now close to 100 of the establishments.

VO10: Freeman says her only word of caution to prospective students is: do your research to find the best fit for you.

Soundbite - Emily Freeman
“Visit the school, talk to the staff and teachers. You’re looking for people who have the skills to teach you, but who also have a belief in you as a person as a professional. To guide you through the process. Because it is intense.”

V011: Hard work and an intense program that was more than worthwhile - when Freeman graduated she had four job offers, and says she's now in a position she loves as a developer advocate. 

I’m Mary MacCarthy in Denver.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot

INTRO

Price Harry has tied the knot with former American Actress Meghan Markle, at a celebrity filled ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Of the 600 guests, attending were the likes of Oprah Winfrey, David Beckham and Elton John.

It's estimated around 100,000 people were in Windsor to join in the celebrations, as UK Correspondent Natalie Powell reports.

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A wedding straight from a fairy tale.

Handsome Prince, beautiful bride and a vow to live happily ever after

USPOT OF CEREMONY

This was a transatlantic celebration - mixing tradition and modernity - with a star studded guest list.

And outside well wishers had come from far and wide to be part of the occasion.

TAKE VOXES

"I came from Chicago, Maria came form Washington DC, just for this Wedding. I really love her as an actress and said if they were to ever get engaged I would come over and support her, plus when is the next time I'm going to get to go to another Royal Wedding"

"I'm from Johannesburg and my daughter lives in London and I'm a big royal fan so I came for this wedding, I thought it was such a modern wedding and it was so exciting to be here"

"Oh yes, we're from Canada. We were part of the Commonwealth of course until… and we know a lot about the royalty…actually the three of us are retired and we hadn't had a holiday away with each other so we thought, you know what, that'll be fun. Let's do that"

Hugh and Meg were two of the lucky ones that were invited in to the grounds of Windsor castle and were able to get closer to the royal family and the celebrity guests

TAKE VOXES

"That was amazing because they were just across the road from us and we could literally touch them, Elton John, George Clooney, the Middletons, Sarah Ferguson and they were just, just in front of us. So that was really lovely

Probably seeing the royals, seeing the queen, obviously the bride and groom leaving"

Markle chose a classic-style dress, with a special veil - designed with a distinctive flora from each of the 53 Commonwealth nations. A nod to the important role this bride and her husband want to play as ambassadors.

To some, it was an emotional wedding, to others, a celebration and a chance to come together .

TAKE VOXES

"Aww their little faces when they saw each other that was sweet, just the whole service, siting at each other, you could see the love. And when he took her veil off and when Prince Charles walked her down the aisle that was very touching, made me cry. I think the UK did well today, to see everyone just really celebrating. Weddings are just happy wonderful occasions, we needed a bit of happiness didn't we?"

"Yeah it was really fun and they really are a good couple aren't they, Meghan and Harry"

With rings exchanged, it marks a new era for the royal couple -and possibly too for the royal family 

From now on Harry and Megan will be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and if their wedding is anything to go by, we can expect a very modern approach to royal duties from this couple.

SOC

Final preparations underway in Windsor for royal wedding

The marriage of Britain's Prince Harry to the American actress Meghan Markle is just hours away now. 

It's been confirmed that Prince Charles will be walking Meghan down the aisle with her father due to miss the wedding because of ill health. 

With tens of thousands of spectators expected in the town of Windsor where the wedding is being held, excitement is building as Paul Barber reports. 

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UPSOT

Brass bands and bunting….Are on full display. 

And it can only mean one thing. The royal wedding is upon us.

Crowds already gathering in Windsor, just west of London, were treated to part of the dress rehearsal involving more than 250 military personnel.

This was a practice run of the procession Prince Harry and his bride Meghan Markle will make through the town after the service in St. George's chapel, Windsor castle....Giving locals and tourists alike a tantalizing taste of the big day.

VOXPOP

"I think it's full of joy and celebration and I think everyone is happy about this occasion and wish them good luck."

VOXPOP

"Oh my goodness it's perfect atmosphere, it's perfect, it's lovely weather, people from all over the world are here. And everybody's happy, anything that's royal makes everybody happy."

As final preparations are completed behind the castle walls, out here there's already a party atmosphere. 100 thousand people are expected to descend on Windsor and line the streets hoping for a glimpse of the happy couple. 

VOXPOP 

"Buzzing atmosphere, everyone is happy, everyone is waiting."

VOXPOP

"I'm just happy to be able to be part of some of the celebrations."

Windsor is well versed in royal pomp and pageantry. Dereck Prime of The King and Queen gift shop says they're doing a roaring trade in Harry and Meghan mugs, magnets and even mock engagement rings.

SOT - Derek Prime, King and Queen gift shop

"We're in the right place…we're in Windsor, so we've got the ring, to go with it. So I could nip out and stop the carriage and say 'hang on girl I've got the ring, I've got a bigger ring than he's given you!'"

 

Tracy Ball is also hoping her self designed hats and scarves will prove a hit with well wishers. 

SOT - Tracy Ball, souvenir seller 

"Everyone is just so excited to see what she's going to wear, all the carriages. I mean no one does it better. We do it best don't we so really looking forward to it."

Prince Harry may only be 6th in line, to the thrown, but he and Meghan Markle - until recently an actress, already enjoy international celebrity status. 

Royal historian Dr Anna Whitlock of the university of London says they bring a fresh dynamism and   modernity to the royal family - and extra attention to the charitable causes the couple champion.

SOT - Dr. Anna Whitelock, University of London royal historian 

"There is no doubt that the marriage of an American divorcee, mixed race, does mark a departure and a step forward and a move towards embracing a more inclusive royal family."

The sunny weather is expected to hold throughout Harry and Megan's wedding day - as they begin married life very much as it will continue - under a big spotlight. 

Paul Barber, Windsor.

UN Secretary-General set to clash with Trump over Iran, Palestine when they meet Friday

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet United
Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The two men differ when it comes to the merits of multilateralism and
don't see eye to eye on a number of the biggest global issues.

But heading into the meeting- the White House is optimistic that some
common ground can be found.

William Denselow reports from New York.


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Countdown to Royal Wedding begins as excitement builds in Windsor

Last minute preparations are underway for the wedding of Britain's Prince Harry  to the American actress Meghan Markle which takes place in Windsor on Saturday. 

The wedding has been overshadowed in recent days by questions about whether Meghan's father Thomas Markle would attends. It's now been confirmed that he will not.  

Our reporter Catherine Drew has been in Windsor ahead of the nuptials and has this report about how the town is preparing. 

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Meghan Markle profile

She’s a commoner —  a biracial American who was born and raised in Los Angeles  — and starred in a hit television show.

Now, she’s marrying Harry the Prince of Wales. 

Mary MacCarthy has more on Meghan Markle and her early years.

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VO: While Prince Harry of Wales was capturing the world’s heart as the youngest son of the House of Windsor

VO: His  future princess was leading a very different life… 

VO: Meghan Markle grew up in Los Angeles, attending the private primary school Hollywood Schoolhouse, just blocks from  Sunset Boulevard.

VO Her mother— a social worker  — still lives in the LA neighbourhood known as the “Black Beverly Hills”… 

VO: Where residents say they’re proud to see one of their own become a royal. 

VOX POP: “I think she’s happy, I hope she has a wonderful life.”

VOX POP: “I think it’s incredible, the fact that she’s a woman of color, that’s a great thing.” 

VO: Meghan may have caught the acting bug from going to work with her father — a Hollywood lighting director for television shows.

VO: She left California for university but returned to Hollywood to work as an actress and model — her big break was  the legal drama “Suits,” in which she plays  a paralegal.

NAT SOUND from “Suits”

VO: The series films in Toronto - which is where she first met Prince Harry.

Marianne Schwab, L.A.-based “royal watcher”
“Like a lot of the tabloid rumours, at first I didn’t believe it, then it became obvious they were a couple. I really admired the fact that they tried to keep it on the down-low as much as possible.”

VO: Marianne Schwab is an enthusiastic royal watcher who lives in Los Angeles… she is fascinated by Markle, who stands out from other royal fiancees for having her own, very established career — and for being a divorcee.

Marianne Schwab, L.A.-based “royal watcher”

“What’s happening between Meghan and Harry right now would never have been allowed in the past. The fact that Meghan is going to be allowed into the royal family is absolutely historic.”


VO: A big part of that history-making is the fact that Markle is biracial… and some African-Americans say they’re happy to see a woman of color taking on such a high-profile role. 


Charisse Henry, Black Women for Wellness (advocacy group for African-American women)
“I think it’s absolutely amazing that she caught herself a prince, and it speaks a lot to diversity, to where we are in 2018, that we’re going to have a biracial woman in the royal family - I think that’s awesome!”

VOX POP:
“I see her as being in the same vein as a Princess Diana or Michelle Obama, just someone who people can aspire to and look up to, and already like and empathise with, and anything she will take on she will get some good energy around - I’m excited to see what.”

VO: As Meghan Markle the Commoner from California begins her life as a member of the British royal family, many Americans — and especially African-Americans — say she is already their princess, an American-made Lady Di who will make her mark on the world.

Mary MacCarthy, Los Angeles.

Beer industry feels impact of Trump's tariff move

There are over 5,000 active breweries in the United States but some in
the beer industry fear President Trump is bad for business.

His administration has imposed tariffs on imported aluminium and steel
in a bid to protect these sectors in the U.S from foreign competition.

But brewers are concerned that this will lead to rising prices for
their canned commodities. A sobering thought for American beer makers.

William Denselow reports from New York.


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New York inquiry targets cryptocurrency exchanges

For most people, the world of cryptocurrencies remains largely opaque.

Now, a first-of-its-kind investigation aims to add transparency and accountability to the industry.

The New York Attorney General is looking at the trading practices of 13 cryptocurrency exchanges.

But how do crypto traders and the companies that use virtual money feel about the scrutiny?

Nick Harper reports from New York.

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- upsound - "That'll be $5 dollars please."

TAKE VO
At this ice cream sandwich shop there's nothing frozen about the assets.
Embracing technology, Melt Bakery has been accepting Bitcoin for the last four years.
Business is brisk - even if virtual currency is still not the preferred method of payment.

SOT - Julian Plyter, Founder, Melt Bakery: "We've done about 80 transactions I think since we started it in 2014, taking Bitcoin."

TAKE VO
Bitcoin is one of the currencies bought and sold on online trading platforms, or exchanges.
TAKE VO
The New York Attorney General's office is now looking at 13 of these exchanges, sending them a 34-part questionnaire asking about everything from fees to trading policies and money laundering safeguards.

SOT - David Drake, LDJ Capital: "This industry has been opaque, there's no accountability, there's no governance, or counting - it's a mess."

TAKE VO
David Drake has worked with 40 cryptocurrency companies with a combined market value of almost $30bn.
He feels the inquiry should really target the process of raising capital for new virtual currencies, known as Initial Coin Offerings. Yet, he says a spotlight on exchanges still sends the right message.

SOT - David Drake, LDJ Capital: "It's necessary to show everybody else that there are consequences and people will be knocking on your door to see what's going on, and making sure that you do fair trades with your clients."

TAKE VO
Investigators argue more transparency and regulation would lend credibility to crypto.
But some experts fear this inquiry could hurt long-term growth.

SOT - Chad Arroyo, Chief Marketing Officer, Seven Stars Cloud: "It is very concerning because I think New York is such a vibrant environment as it relates to financial technology, clearly we have the big banks here. I just wish there was a closer relationship and not so much resistance to enabling and empowering this industry."

TAKE VO
In spite of the inquiry, Melt Bakery has no plans to put Bitcoin payments on ice.

SOT - Julian Plyter, Founder, Melt Bakery: "Well I think it's good business for any person to take money from people in any way they wish to give it to you."

SOC 

ENDS 

Indian government allows corporate to adopt the Red Fort

Starting later this month, a private conglomerate will take over the management of the operations at the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi. The monument was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century.

The world heritage site is also where the Indian Prime Minister has historically addressed the country from, every Independence Day. 

As Neha Poonia reports, this decision has sparked off a controversy in India.

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This year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation on Independence Day from the Red Fort, something would have dramatically changed.

For the first time in the monument's 400-year-old history, a corporate entity will take over its daily maintenance.

The Dalmia Bharat group- a conglomerate that manufactures cement and sugar - has signed a five year contract with the Indian government for its upkeep.

It's also agreed to spend 3.7 million US dollars to upgrade visitor facilities at the fort, a Unesco world heritage site.

In return, Dalmia Bharat will be allowed to advertise exclusively on the monument's premises, giving its brand, exposure to the more than 2.5 million tourists who visit it each year.

Not just the Red Fort, the Indian government has put 93 other tourist attractions up for adoption under the 'Adopt a Heritage' scheme.

It says the idea is simply to improve the experience of tourists by developing world class facilities at these monuments.

India's main Opposition party- the Congress's Tom Vadakkan is accusing the government of selling the country's heritage. 

<<Tom Vadakkan, Congress Leader>>
You can't have a cement company looking after the Red Fort. You have another company selling oil and they want to look after the Taj Mahal. It will give them a brand image. It can be used for private purposes. It will become a mercenary outfit.

VO:
The iconic monument is badly in need of housekeeping.

Dalmia Bharat will be in charge of keeping it clean, and maintaining the toilets, lights and the cafeteria and providing wifi for tourists along with multi-lingual audio guides.

But historians like Rana Safvi say the government programme has no mention of conservation.

<<Rana Safvi, Historian>>
What will I do with a gold plated toilet if the the Red Fort itself is falling down?
In the Diwan-i-Khas, the ceiling made of teak wood is sagging. The plaster is pealing off. It's in very bad shape- why isn't anything being done about that?

VO:
The Taj Mahal-  one of the seven wonders of the world - is also on the  list of heritage sites up for adoption.

But this proposal has Indians divided.

<<Vox 1>>
This is not a good thing. The government should ensure there is accountability.

<<Vox 2>>
The government is not able to take care of the monument. The building is dilapidated, it's good that they have made a company in charge who will be able to look after the monument well.

VO: 
The new custodians of the Red Fort have a monumental task at hand- of ensuring that the sun doesn't set on India's heritage.

Neha Poonia, New Delhi.

NYC Met museum targets foreign visitors to stay open

Patrons of New York's storied Metropolitan Museum of Art are finding out that all good things come to an end.

The world's largest museum is ending its pay-what-you-want policy, which since 1970 has allowed visitors to choose their entry fee.

The Met says it's the only art establishment of its size not to receive significant government support, and it now needs out-of-state, and foreign visitors to pay their share.  

Nick Harper reports from New York.

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TAKE VO
The artwork may be priceless. But if you don't live in New York State, seeing it will now cost you. $25 to be precise.
The museum insists though this isn't a case of paying through the nose and getting nothing in return. Ken Weine is from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

SOT - Ken Weine, Metropolitan Museum of Art
"This museum costs $300 million dollars a year to run. We could be a small museum, we could be free. We wouldn't have 45 special exhibitions a year, we wouldn't be able to host over 200,000 school children."

TAKE VO
The museum is battling to stay solvent. It receives no federal funding, and has seen support from the city government fall, from 25% of its operating costs in 1970, to only 9% today.

SOT - Ken Weine, Metropolitan Museum of Art
"All of our peers in Washington, in Europe, in Asia receive significant amounts of money from their governments. We receive over half our money from philanthropic support. We receive about 12% of our overall revenue from our admissions right now. With this change we are going to move up about three percentage points to about 15% - that will still be much lower than all of our New York peers."

TAKE VO
Last year, fewer than one in five visitors gave the $25 dollar suggested donation.

SOT - Nick Harper [on location]
Indeed, over the last 20 years the Met has seen a 70% decline in people paying that full figure. So with no free option, will visitors still make the Met part of their New York experience?

VOXES
"The price is not important to see a museum like this."
"I prefer to see other things in New York."
"I can pay $25 to visit this museum. I think it's worth it."
"I don't think it will deter visitors - I think New York is expensive enough that if they know they are coming here, they'll just have to suck it up and pay to come to the museum."

TAKE VO
With the Met and the nearby Guggenheim, New York boosts some of the world's best known museums.
TAKE VO
And outdoor artwork is gaining in popularity. One non-profit organization, which installs artwork in public spaces, advocates for art to be accessible for all.
Here's Kellie Honeycutt from the Public Art Fund.

SOT - Kellie Honeycutt, Director of Advancement, Public Art Fund
"Cost is a factor when people are considering what to do. // I certainly hope that the price of entry into a museum won't deter people from visiting. I mean the Met is one of the jewels of New York City and I think people will certainly continue to visit."

TAKE VO
Critics fear the price change cuts off communities, making art inaccessible to lower income visitors.
The Met though hopes the change will sustain the museum, ensuring this space for future generations to view to art.
SOC

NO AGREEMENT ON UK CUSTOMS ARRANGEMENTS

A key meeting of senior UK government figures has failed to reach final agreement on what kind of customs arrangements to pursue as Britain leaves the European Union.

It followed a warning from some Conservative MPs that Prime Minister Theresa May should drop her favoured solution - or face the prospect of a collapse in her government.

Mrs May's senior ministers met at Downing Street to discuss the issue - but no specific option was chosen as the way forward.

Olly Barratt reports from London.

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Customs arrangements with Brussels after Brexit represent one of the most complicated challenges for the UK…


One of the possibilities suggested by the government is a 'customs partnership'…


It would see the UK mirroring EU customs rules at its borders and collecting tariffs on behalf of Brussels.


But the idea is being rejected by senior MPs from within Prime Minister Theresa May's own Conservative Party - including former minister Ian Duncan Smith.


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A group of like-minded Conservative MPs has urged the Prime minister to drop the idea of a customs partnership completely - with some reportedly ready to bring down Theresa May's fragile government over the issue.


They want the UK to be able to strike trade deals with nations around the world after Brexit and claim a customs partnership or union would restrict that ability.


Conservative MP Bernard Jenkin says both that option and staying in the EU's existing customs union should be rejected.


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The EU customs union sees no internal tariffs placed on goods transported between member states…


ANd there's a common tariff on goods which enter the customs union from outside.


Some believe its benefits outweigh the costs of leaving it.


Including Labour MP Hillary Benn.


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But Prime Minister Theresa May insists her customs partnership option is just one that is being considered.


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Central to the debate is the border between Northern Ireland - which is part of the UK, and Ireland, which is an EU member state.


Without a customs union in place, restrictions may have to be brought in at the border - which could threaten peace in Northern Ireland.


Theresa May's counterpart in Ireland Leo Varadkar believes the lack of clarity on the issue in London could lead to delays for the whole Brexit process.


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And with regards to the customs partnership - EU negotiators have already said they wouldn't accept that idea anyway.


Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May has to balance the views of remainers in her party - who wanted to stay in the EU - and those Brexiteers who wanted to get out.


Former cabinet minsiter David Mellor says she's in a very tight spot.


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And Theresa May knows getting on top of the customs union dilemma is critical to her authority as leader of the Conservative Party…


And therefore her premiership.


OB LONDON