Has Kirsan Resigned from FIDE? The Machinations Abound.

http://en.chessbase.com/post/did-ilyumzhinov-resign

Here is a good summary up to the time of this posting.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/28/kirsan-ilyumzhinov-facing-endgame-bizarre-power-struggle-top/

Our Nigel earns yet another FIDE accolade.

The Way Cool Trophy from the Batavia Tournament in the Netherlands

http://en.chessbase.com/post/9th-batavia-tournament-won-by-cheng-and-van-foreest

Prison Chess in Spoleto, Italy

http://en.chessbase.com/post/the-power-of-chess

Kingdom Chess Association Schedules Two Tournaments in Danville--One FIDE Rated

Upcoming Tournaments in Danville from Kingdom Chess and Relyea Chess. The games will take place at the Danville Community Center in the heart of Danville, VT. 
August 26th--US Chess rated one day Quick Tournament 
Sept. 23rd & 24th-- Two day Swiss. Open Section FIDE rated. U1600 non-FIDE.
More information coming soon.

Iranian Woman Expelled From National Team for Non-Veiled Playing In Gibraltar

"The first step in dealing with them would be to deprive them from every game that is played in Iran and in the name of Iran, and they will not have the chance to be on the national team."--Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh, head of the Iranian Chess Federation

"Them" includes her brother who also played in Gibraltar. Brother and sister both entered and played the tournament as individuals, on their own. 

http://www.women.ncr-iran.org/iran-women-news/3681-iran-young-woman-expelled-from-national-team-for-not-wearing-the-veil

Ian Dudley Ties for Second in Open Section in Cambridge, MA

Congratulations to our friend Ian Dudley who finished tied for second place in the open section of the Boyleston Chess Club's Tornado #127. Ian went 3-1 and raised his regular rating to 1947.

Onward now to 2000!

Fashion At the Women's World Championship In Tehran

It appears that some of the women in Tehran are pushing limits by not wearing their hijabs in the proper way. Also, a comment from Emil Sutovsky.

Correct

Pushing Back

And a comment from Emil Sutovsky:

"PLEASE, SHARE - IT IS IMPORTANT!
I got a number of complaints from the participants of the Women's World Championship in Iran - let alone they have to play with hijabs/scarves on, the playing venue is unbearably hot and stuffy. I call upon FIDE and the local organizers to take IMMEDIATE steps in order to improve the situation. There is no way pretending everything OK and everyone is happy. World strongest female players are to be respected, as well as chess itself!"

Lastly, our Glorious FIDE leader wearing his Trump tie.........

A happy Western camper??